Reserve team unlucky to lose says Tony
Tony Philliskirk was disappointed that all Latics reserves' efforts counted for nothing as they were beaten 2-1 at Port Vale in the Central League."We were undone by a wonder free kick and controversial refereeing decision as everybody felt we ought to have been awarded a free kick before they scored," explained Latics' reserve-team manager.
He continued: "I am disappointed for the lads that they didn't come away with anything, but proud of them because it was a good performance."
Latics started slowly, something Philliskirk attributed to not having had many reserve-team matches in recent months.
Daniel Taylor gave Latics a first-half lead only for the Valiants to hit two goals in as many minutes to snatch victory late in the game.
Philliskirk added it was always his intention to bring on three substitutes, all scholars.
He said: "It is a big time for the second-year scholars and I was always going to make three changes.
"They affected the structure of the team and unsettled our rhythm."
Philliskirk, who had seven scholars on the pitch at the end, described it as a solid, team performance but was especially pleased with trainee Danny Gosset who sparkled in midfield.