Two goals and an assist for Oldham Athletic youth team striker Devante Jacobs helped seal a 3-1 victory over Walsall youth team on Saturday.
Jacobs put Latics two goals ahead with a goal in each half before Walsall managed to pull a goal back. Jordache Walters grabbed the third of the game after great work from Jacobs to seal victory over a previously unbeaten Walsall side.The home side got off to a great start, taking the lead in the first seven minutes of the game. The ball broke to the impressive Jacobs on the edge of the box and the striker struck home from 20 yards out to give Latics the early advantage.
The youngsters were in complete control of the game, retaining possession well and causing Walsall into errors.
Just after the half hour mark, captain Jack Tuohy crossed for Callum Scullion but the midfielder unfortunately could not keep his header down.
Visitors Walsall did come back into the game towards the end of the half but goalkeeper Paul Tyson stood tall to deny the onrushing striker from levelling the game.
Latics were forced into a change at the break with Tyson picking up what looked a hand injury and he was replaced by substitute goalkeeper Chris Renshaw.
The stopper was forced into action early in the second half as he stopped Walsall's striker from scoring, whilst the follow up was dragged wide.
As tempers started to flare, the home side capitalised on a mix up in the Walsall defence and Jacobs grabbed his second of the game.
The striker picked up the ball with his back to goal and managed to hook the ball over the goalkeeper to extend the home side's lead.
With only 20 minutes remaining, Latics conceded their first goal in over 600 minutes of football as Walsall found a way back into the game.
A free kick caused havoc into the Athletic box and Walsall managed to stab the ball home from two yards with the referee waving away Latics' protests of a foul in the build up.
The visitors were in the ascendancy with the young Latics struggling to cope with the Walsall onslaught.
Ten minutes from time, Latics did manage to break away and snatch a goal to effectively win the game for them.
Superb individual play by Jacobs saw him cut the ball back for Walters to fire home from six yards to seal the win for the Athletic youngsters.
Speaking about his side's performance, manager Tony Philliskirk said: "It was a really good win. Walsall were good and that was the toughest game of our season so far.
"We started the game well and defended resolutely in the second half to keep us in the lead. We know with the attackers we have, we will always have chances so I did have confidence in my players.
"A lot of credit has to go to the lads. The lads have a great desire to win at the moment and they are showing it well."