Wire giving youth a chance

WARRINGTON Town FC youth team manager Chris Wells is a proud man after seeing four of his under 18's youth team players take part in a recent first team fixture against Cheadle Town.

The Cheshire Senior Cup tie was a thrilling game which the Wire won 5-4 in extra time, with three of the four players making it onto the pitch during the 120 minute game.

Josh Kavanagh and George Emson both started alongside senior players including Chris Gaghan, Jamie Henders and captain for the night River Humphries.

The pair have already represented the first team in pre-season and in the Doodson Sport Cup.

Matt Cook made his first appearance for the senior side coming off the bench in the second half while striker Scott Bakkor was an unused substitute.

Community development officer and former first team coach James Standing said: "The lads did really well and didn't look out of place. Considering they are only 16 and 17 years old, they stepped up to the mark and all played their part."

Looking at the development of the club Standing added: "People can now see a natural progression for the players at this football club whether they are in the junior section or part of the youth team. The work we are doing here is testament to the coaches and mangers we have throughout the club."

This now takes the total number of youth team players used in the first team this season to five with goalkeeper Dan Gordan having been involved with the squad earlier in the season and appearing in a Doodson Sport Cup game.

On Tuesday evening the Youth team had a trial game with Everton FC Under 16s and held them to a creditable 1-1 draw at Cantilever Park.