Red-hot Crompton enhances goals tally

ANDREW Crompton made it five goals in just two youth-team matches by netting a brace as Athletic saw off Morecambe in the first round of the Lancashire Youth Cup at Chapel Road.

A second-round tie against Rochdale — coincidentally, the team’s next Youth Alliance opponents on Saturday week — now beckons for Tony Philliskirk’s side after a 3-1 triumph which wasn’t as straightforward.

Athletic dominated the game and played some excellent football, but were also guilty of wasting a host of gilt-edged chances on front of goal.

Outstanding winger Ryan Burns won a first-half penalty which Crompton converted, but after squandering several opportunities, Athletic were pegged back by Morecambe’s own penalty just before half-time.

Crompton bagged his second with a 20-yard shot which the visiting ’keeper fumbled.

More excellent chances were squandered, and Shaun Routledge had to produce a wonder-save to keep Athletic’s noses in front before Kyle Riley scored the third.

It was the second knock-out victory for Athletic in five days, following the 9-0 hammering of York in the first round of the Youth Alliance Cup. Crompton and Burns both grabbed hat-tricks.

The team now faces a tricky test away at Walsall in the next stage of the competition.