MIDDLESBROUGH 2
LATICS 0

A young Latics side went down to a far more experienced and older Middlesbrough at Billingham Synthonia FC tonight but manager Keith Bertschin said he was not too disappointed in the end.

"There was such a huge gulf in age and ability," he said, "and I thought the lads did ok in the circumstances. You never like to lose, don't get me wrong, but they worked hard and hung in there against a very good side and we had chances ourselves. So it certainly wasn't all bad."

Bertschin singled out 16 year old goalkeeper Lee Nicholls as having played well, along with skipper Jon Routledge.

"You can see why he has been on the fringes of the first team recently because he does set a certain standard that I hope the others can follow."

Latics forged chances, notably through Callum McManaman, who forced a great save from Jason Steele. Craig Mahon and Tomasz Kupisz also had opportunities.

LATICS
Nicholls, Crane, Field, Buxton, Mustoe, Mahon (Redmond 75), Routledge, Hampson (Breeze 50), Holt, Kupisz, Mcmanaman
Subs Not Used: Williams, Chiocchi, Dukes