Middlesbrough Res 0 - 0 Latics Res

An inexperienced  Latics side featuring only young professionals and youth team scholars earned a hard fought draw at Academy side Middlesbrough in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

The game, played at Billingham Synthonia FC, saw Keith Bertschin not being able to field any established pros and he was delighted with the effort shown by the players.

"It was a big test," he said, "Middlesbrough have a very successful Academy and to copmee and get a draw was a good  result. The lads stuck to their task, showed good commitment and we might even had got all three points on another night."

Chris McCaughtrie had a glorious chance to seal it late on when he connected too strongly with a good cross from Tomasz Kupisz, who also had a good effort saved. Jordan Mustoe cleared off the line in Boro's best attempt of the night. First year goalkeeper Dean Porter, starting his first reserve game, did well very when called upon.

Team:- Porter, Moore, Ashworth, Pearson, Mustoe, Hampson (Prince 55). Kupisz, Cywka, Routledge, Mahon, McCaughtrie
Subs not used: Novak, McArdle, Field, Holt