Pair of aces on comeback trail

ATHLETIC pair Josh Parker and DJ Bembo made comebacks for the second string as the squad approaches a clean bill of health.

Winger Parker (20) played for half an hour as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Tranmere in the Central League, West Division – the first time he has turned out since injuring his knee in August.

And Bembo took to the field for the last 10 minutes as Lee Duxbury's side fell to an experienced Rovers line-up.

The home side took the lead at Prenton Park thanks to a Joss Labadie strike from the penalty spot, James Tarkowski bringing down the goalscorer.

Striker Matt Smith continued his run of hitting the goal frame with a header from a Filipe Morais centre which struck an upright, while Labadie did likewise shortly before the half-time break.

Martin Devaney increased the advantage with a scuffed 20-yard shot which hit the arm of on-trial goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis before finding the back of the net.

Morais forced a good save from Rovers 'keeper Andy Coughlin and the visitors had an appeal for a penalty turned down following an apparent foul on Paul Black in the final minute.



THERE have been no enquiries so far for Athletic's players available for loan.

Manager Paul Dickov, who has 29 professionals on the books, wants to send Tarkowski, Kirk Millar, Ryan Brooke and Connor Hughes out to a npower League Two or Blue Square Bet Premier club to pick up first-team experience.