‘Lacklustre’ youths slip-up

JACK LAIRD’S goal couldn’t halt Athletic’s under-18s slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Stockport County, hampering chances of claiming the North-West Conference Football League Youth Alliance title.

Tony Philliskirk’s charges stay in fourth spot in the standings after a frustrating display, in which the County ’keeper was forced to make first-half stops from an Andrew Crompton free-kick and a David Mellor shot.

With no goals as the sides changed ends, the visitors failed to deal with a cross and a soft goal ensued.

Substitute Laird brought the game level when he turned home from close range after Mellor’s corner.

But Stockport claimed a winner when Athletic failed to clear on numerous occasions.

“It was a lacklustre performance from us,’ said youth team boss Philliskirk.