Youth team boss Tony Philliskirk was proud of his players despite their FA Youth Cup fourth round exit against Luton Town last night.
Cameron McJannet’s wonder strike from 25 yards two minutes before the half time break was the difference between the sides in difficult conditions.Latics huffed and puffed for an equaliser but were met by a stubborn Luton Town defence as they saw out the game to progress to the fifth round stage to face Preston North End.
Despite the defeat, Philliskirk only had positive words to say about his side, who battled tremendously to reach this stage of the competition.
He said: “I’m very proud of them. It’s been a great run but you have to give Luton Town credit on the night as they deserved it.
“The lads give everything they have got. They are devastated in the dressing room but it’s been a great run and hopefully we can use this to push on our form in the league and Lancashire Cup.”
“They are a really good bunch of lads and a pleasure to work with. They are an honest bunch and deserve a bit of success.”
Speaking about the game itself, Philliskirk added: "It wasn’t a great spectacle and it was played on a very difficult pitch. It was two evenly matched teams and the game was won by a superb piece of quality.
“Two minutes before the goal, I spoke to Simon and Pete saying it will be an error or a piece of magic which won the game. Unfortunately for us it was against us but no denying it was a great goal to win the game.
"Luton were very big, strong and physical and we struggled to break through them. When we did get behind them our final ball let us down so we feel slightly disappointed with the way it’s ended but I can’t fault their effort.
"Good luck to Luton Town in the next round of the competition. They are nice people and have very good players there but I couldn’t be more prouder of my lads for the spirit they have shown all season.”