The Atherton Collieries Development Squad and Under 18s both suffered defeats for the first time this season, as both teams travelled to East Manchester to face Stretford Paddock and Abbey Hey respectively.
Sunday’s action came after a successful outing for the Under 18s in the FA Youth Cup, winning 1-0 at Laburnum Rovers to set up a clash with Trafford at the Dreams2Reality Stadium.
Next up, it’s a triple header of cup action for the Collieries PDP sides. On Sunday, the Development Squad face Rochdalians in the Manchester Sunday Cup at the Dreams2Reality Stadium, whilst the Under 18s face Curzon Ashton in the NWYA Open Cup.
The FA Youth Cup then continues with Trafford visiting the Dreams2Reality Stadium on Tuesday 16th.
Thursday’s FA Youth Cup outing was a tightly fought contest for the Young Stripes, who could have taken a healthy lead into the interval following chances well saved for Ike Iwelu and Malik Mohammed.
The Colls first had the ball in the net on the cusp of half-time through Nathan Critchley, who backed up his command of the midfield with a fine 25-yard free-kick, which was ruled out due to the presence of a Black & White shirt three yards away from the defensive wall.
Fired up, the Black & Whites did make it count with their next opportunity, the skipper Callum Knox heading home from a Critchley corner.
The second half became an end to end affair, as Laburnum Rovers pushed for an equaliser whilst the Collieries were unable to take their chances and put the game to bed.
The Development Squad were defeated on the road at Stretford Paddock on Sunday. Despite a strong start from the Collieries, Stretford raced into the lead with two-goals in quick succession on the half-hour mark.
However, the Young Stripes responded with two goals on the brink of half-time. Striker Harry Brown notched his first goal of the season, drilling into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after Riley Filipek regained possession following a defensive mistake.
Just under 80 seconds later, the Colls had the ball in the net again. Rafael Mateus was the first to pick up the loose ball following a Filipek throw-in, and hit the back of the net from 20 yards out to equalise.
Stretford forwards Leland Irvine and Kieffer Cole offered a quick offensive outlet for the Paddock throughout, and Irvine punished the Collieries with a counter-attack in the 75th minute to regain the lead. Ten minutes later, the result was beyond doubt as Daniel Obazee scored from the penalty spot for the hosts.
Down the road at Abbey Hey, it was a late 1-0 defeat for the Under 18s. Hayden Davis marked his return to the sticks for the Colls with a fine penalty save, but was ultimately powerless to stop a fine free-kick in the 93rd minute to win the game for the hosts.
We would like to thank our sponsors, Arc Homes, Seddon Plant & Engineers and Adlington Pet Center for their support of our player development pathway as kit sponsors this season, as well as our new matchday wear sponsors, Wilsons Pies Shop Kearsley & WorkInStyle.co.uk.
