Young guns show pride in defeat

Carlton McIntosh in action for Latics Youth against Coventry.

ATHLETIC'S under-18s bowed out of the FA Youth Cup last night at the hands of Coventry City, but it was a performance which attracted praise from coach Tony Philliskirk.

Goals from Louis Garner and Jordan Smith did for Athletic in the second-round tie, played at Boundary Park.

"I was proud of my lads in adversity and they gave a good account of themselves," said Philliskirk, who was able to call on Chris Sutherland, returning from first-team duty to boost depleted reserves.

Athletic had plenty of the ball in the first half but after falling behind to Garner's second-minute strike, couldn't find a cutting edge.

Kyle Hardman came closest, forcing the Sky Blues goalkeeper into a save.

In an even second half, Coventry added a second when Alex Gott's shot had too much on it for Athletic goalkeeper Luke Simpson to hold on to, with Smith slotting home the rebound.

"We deserved to be level at the break and though we didn't play as well in the second half, we still had one or two scoring opportunities," Philliskirk added.