Tarkowski goal clinches thrilling win

JAMES Tarkowski was the match winner for Athletic’s youth team, who edged a thriller at Burnley 4-3 in the North-West Conference of the Football League Youth Alliance.

Up against one of the league’s strongest sides, Athletic made a good start when David Mellor scored directly from a corner.

A 25-yard free-kick flew in for the Clarets equaliser, before the home team moved in front early in the second half.

Matthew A Carr replied for Athletic with a terrific strike from the edge of the area and Andrew Crompton’s penalty — drawn by a foul on Jack Laird — enabled the visitors to snatch the lead.

Back came Burnley, in amazing circumstances.

The Clarets goalkeeper belted a clearance high into the wind and the ball went from one end of the field to the other, ending up in the net.

Athletic responded strongly and claimed the winner when Sam Fitzgerald headed the ball down for Tarkowski to fire home from 12 yards.

o ATHLETIC have had next week’s totesport.com League game at Preston moved to a new date in November.

Preston requested the switch in order to avoid a clash with their Carling Cup third round tie against Wigan, which takes place next Wednesday.

Athletic will now play out the reserve team fixture on Wednesday, November 3, at Bamber Bridge (7pm kick-off).