Keeper Simpson shines for under-18's
A depleted Latics' under-18's defeated Tranmere Rovers 1-0 at Chapel Road in the Football League Youth Alliance's North West Conference.It was a terrific win for the youth team bearing in mind they were without seven players.
These included Chris Sutherland, called up for his first-team debut, and Jack Truelove who dropped out on the day through injury.
Latics were so stretched that schoolboy Ryan Ellison played the whole match while two further schoolboys, Ben Grant and John-Marc Ekegue came on as substitutes.
Latics played well for most of the opening half and deservedly went ahead late in the half.
Jordan Bove delivered a cross from the right, John Pritchard fired the ball back across the face of goal and McIntosh applied the finishing touch.
Tranmere made changes at the break and they put Latics on to the back foot in the second period in which keeper Luke Simpson pulled off two or three fine saves.
Yet Latics were dangerous on the break and had chances to extend their lead, notably when Tomos Jones struck the inside of the upright.
Head of Youth Tony Philliskirk was delighted with the way his side battled for victory and also to preserve a clean sheet.
He was especially pleased with Simpson and rookie central-defensive pairing Ellison and first-year scholar Tom Clarke.
Philliskirk added that, ironically, Latics had played better in the two games they have lost this season.
Tranmere made changes at the break and they put Latics on to the back foot in the second period in which keeper Luke Simpson pulled off two or three fine saves.
Yet Latics were dangerous on the break and had chances to extend their lead, notably when Tomos Jones struck the inside of the upright.
Head of Youth Tony Philliskirk was delighted with the way his side battled for victory and also to preserve a clean sheet.
He was especially pleased with Simpson and rookie central-defensive pairing Ellison and first-year scholar Tom Clarke.
Philliskirk added that, ironically, Latics had played better in the two games they have lost this season.