Oldham Athletic had first-year Apprentice Luke Wandless to thank after winning 4-0 at Blackpool on Saturday in the Youth Alliance, North West Conference.
Wandless hit a hat-trick for a Latics side shorn of all the players that are likely starters in Tuesday’s FA Youth Cup, third-round tie at Norwich City.
Wandless and Carlton McIntosh were the old heads amongst an Oldham line-up that mainly comprised of schoolboys and trialists.
With wind and rain producing a heavy pitch Wandless made light of the conditions to register a treble while McIntosh hit Oldham’s other goal.
Head of Youth Tony Philliskirk was delighted with his young side’s display, especially 14-year-old central defender Ryan Ellison who he described as “outstanding.”
Philliskirk will now hope his first XI will be ready for the long journey to Norwich tomorrow ahead of their crunch Youth Cup clash.
