Chance for revenge

A flying start to the year 3/4 boys race.

ATHLETIC have been handed a favourable home draw in the Northern area semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, with a chance to exact revenge on Chesterfield at Boundary Park.

The League Two club triumphed in the area final against Athletic in 2011-12.

Over two legs, Athletic lost 3-1 on aggregate — despite striking no fewer than 47 shots.

Though Athletic will start the tie as favourites, the Spireites’ recent form has been good. After beating Torquay 2-0 at the weekend, Paul Cook’s side have lost only one of their last nine encounters and sit second in their division on goal difference behind leaders Oxford.

The other Northern semi pits Fleetwood, also of League Two, at home to Steve Evans’ Rotherham.

In the Southern section, Swindon are at home to Stevenage and Peterborough travel to Newport.