Tony Philliskirk called on his side to respond after their 5-1 home thrashing by Port Vale - and the youngsters did just that against Carlisle.

Two goals from forward KC Owen made the long trip North worthwhile, and leaves the under-18's very much in the hunt for the league title.

Praising his side's ability to put the performance against Vale behind them - Owen's goals capped a very strong display against the Cumbrians - Philliskirk added:

"We had a young team out again, and we were a lot more resolute and determined.

"There was a higher tempo to our game, we defended well, and we did the ugly side of the game much better.

"We got two great finishes from KC Owen, and we were worthy winners in the end.

"It's the way we reacted to the Port Vale game that pleases me most, particularly in the second half."

The win sent Latics' youngsters nine points clear at the top, although third-placed Preston have FOUR games in hand.

It promises to be an interesting end to the season - check out the latest standings below:

North West Conference - Group A

Pld

W

D

L

For

Agt

GD

Pts

1

Oldham Athletic U18

22

14

4

4

63

27

+36

46

2

Bury U18

20

11

4

5

40

26

+14

37

3

Preston North End U18

18

12

1

5

45

30

+15

37

4

Wigan Athletic U18

21

9

8

4

42

28

+14

35

5

Blackpool U18

19

7

4

8

33

35

-2

25

6

Carlisle United U18

21

6

7

8

25

29

-4

25

7

Burnley U18

21

7

2

12

39

48

-9

23

8

Rochdale U18

20

5

4

11

26

42

-16

19

9

Accrington Stanley Under 18

20

0

0

20

20

78

-58

0

 

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