Latics' kids produced a sparkling second-half showing as they defeated Walsall 4-2 at Chapel Road in the North West Youth Alliance.

The match only went ahead after a 7.30am pitch inspection on Saturday after rain in the preceding days had put the match in doubt.

On a heavy pitch, both teams found the going tough on a sticky surface in the opening period.

Goalkeeper Anthony White pulled off two good saves for Latics while Kirk Miller missed a great chance to put Boundary Park side ahead shortly before half time.

Coach Tony Philliskirk made a couple of half-time substitutions and changed his system and within 20 minutes of the restart Latics were 3-1 ahead.

Andy Crompton opened the scoring with a delightful flick from a long throw, Will McCall scored a screamer from 25 yards and Matty Carr cut in from the left to find the net with an efforts curled into the bottom corner.

Latics conceded a penalty with 10 minutes left as Walsall reduced the deficit to 3-2, but after an edgy few minutes Phillip McGrath (pictured) sealed victory with a fourth goal, a well worked set-piece goal from a free kick outside the penalty area.