Coach’s salute to Latics youth

ATHLETIC’S youth sied attracted praise from coach Tony Philliskirk after battling to a 2-1 victory at Preston.

Missing several players — including left-back Jack Truelove, called to the first team — a young squad performed well to fight back from a goal down.

John Pritchard equalised with a free-kick and just before half-time, outstanding first-year scholar Ben Grant netted what turned out to be the winner.

“It was a scrappy game,” said head of youth Philliskirk, “But we worked very hard and restricted Preston to very few chances.”

Right-back Callum Etches stepped into the side despite missing most of pre-season through injury and was also saluted by his coach, as did dominant centre-back Tomos Clarke.

Athletic are faced with another difficult task this weekend with Burnley, another of the clubs who traditionally stand out in the section, visiting Chapel Road (11.30am kick-off).

Meanwhile, Philliskirk revealed he is enjoying himself in a less pressurised environment, compared to last season when he had regular first-team duties assisting Lee Johnson.

“Youth team games don’t quite have as much riding on them as first-team matches do,” he said.