Carl misses chance

CARL Winchester has missed out on a chance to claim a second successive Mitre Goal of the Year 2011 prize for Athletic.

The teenager was up for nomination with his superb drive in last season's closing home game against MK Dons.

But having not made the top 10, he cannot now emulate Dean Furman, who won the prize for his terrific strike against Notts County.

Nominees: Sean McConville (v Hereford) for Accrington; Omar Daley (v Bury) for Bradford; Peter Whittingham (v Barnsley) for Cardiff; Darren Ambrose (v Manchester United) for Crystal Palace; Billy Sharp (v Middlesbrough) for Doncaster; Peter Leven (v Port Vale) for Oxford; Kári Árnason (v MK Dons) for Plymouth; Paul Coutts (v Colchester) for Preston; Lewis Grabban (v Shrewsbury) for Rotherham; Will Grigg (v Scunthorpe) for Walsall.




DREAMS of treading the Boundary Park turf can turn into reality this close season.



Athletic are offering local clubs and companies the opportunity to hire the ground during a two-week window between the end of the campaign and the start of pitch renovation work.

The hire cost, which does not include floodlighting or catering, has been set at £750 plus VAT for two hours, £1,250 plus VAT for four hours and £1,600 plus VAT for six hours.

The dates available run from May 6 to May 20. Contact Billy Quarmby for more information on (0161) 7855156, mobile 07712813502 or email billy.quarmby@oldhamathletic.co.uk 



ATHLETIC'S under-18s had a weekend off, after their Football League Youth Alliance, North West Conference clash at Tranmere was postponed due to a frozen pitch.



Tony Philliskirk's side are away to Wrexham on Saturday, weather permitting (11am kick-off).