SQUAD<br>Knowles, Clarke, Tomlinson, Jump, Webb, Garner, Parker, Nolan, Bailey, Dunne (sub 75mins Lord), Bentley.<br>Subs Not Used: <br>Millington, Hubblewhite, Purcival, Donaldson.<br><br>A dissapointing end to a less than inspired game saw the youth team concede a Middlewich equalizer 2 minutes into injury time and drop the pressure on the other top teams in the reserve division. Despite the poor end to the game the youth side still remain unbeaten in the league since September.<br><br>The youth side were missing many key players and it showed. Chris Jump stepped in from the reserves to cover as centre back due to the absence of Blinkhorn and continuing injury of Ashton. Early pressure from Middlewich offered little, but their physical game seemed to upset the youth side from the outset.<br><br>The youth side continued to try and play their way and were rewarded with a goal in the 18th minute following a run down the right by Bailey and clinical finshing by Bentley. Both Dunne and Bentley had chances to extend the lead, but could not make their efforts count.<br><br>The second half followed similar form to the first with Middlewich offering little and Witton failing to complete opportunities to extend their lead.<br><br>A late corner deep into injury time was met strongly by a Middlwich head giving Matty no chance in goal.<br><br>The New Year should bring better fortune with the expected return of many key players and the opportunity to test the teams around them in the top 4 of the league.<br><br>First game back, home to Styal and a chance to reverse the Youth sides last league defeat in September.<br><br>Happy Xmas everyone at the Albion.<br><br>Mark
Thanks for this comprehensive report Mark, just what I like to see! I’ll be including it in the Boxing Day match programme btw<br><br>To the Youth team, players, management and support staff keep up the good work and have a great Christmas. Roll on January 7th though eh?