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Although Tranmere now play in Division One, we were North West Conference colleagues when the Football League Youth Alliance Cup started back in September. Last night the Rovers eventually lifted the trophy, beating Northampton 3-0 at the Sixfields Stadium. Amazingly, Tranmere’s very own Infant Phenomenon, Chris Dagnall, failed to add to his modest total of 42 goals for the season; Griffiths, Ashton and Birkenhead’s Rooney all on target.
Back to Division Two, and Bradford played out their fifth 1-1 draw in seven games, this time with Notts County at home. Second-placed County’s failure to win effectively gave Oldham the title.
Performance of the week came from bottom of the table Grimsby who, after six successive defeats, beat third-placed Chester 3-0. No details yet from Blundell Park concerning this impressive achievement, but then I suppose they have more sobering thoughts on their mind at the moment.
Stockport stretched their unbeaten run to seven with a 1-1 draw at home to Doncaster. County’s Chris Williams had a game of mixed fortunes, scoring and then being sent off. Calum Selby was on target again for Donny.
Our fight back at Lincoln in the 2-2 draw keeps us sixth. Welcome first team demands on the youth team have led to a diminishing squad, and this was a creditable performance. Damo’s 20th goal of the season is an impressive achievement (particularly so when you consider that he frequently plays as a lone striker), and it is to be hoped that he will get a deserved chance to feature in the first team before the end of the season.
Remaining fixtures:
Saturday, April 26th:
Bradford City v Chester City
Burnley v Oldham Athletic (11am)
Carlisle United v Grimsby Town
Doncaster Rovers v Lincoln City
Stockport County v Notts County
Monday, April 28th:
Doncaster Rovers v Carlisle United
Swindon Town v Notts County (Midlands FA Youth Cup Final)
Wednesday, April 30th:
Preston North End v Wigan Athletic (Lancashire FA Youth Cup Final)
Monday, May 2nd:
Carlisle United v Bradford City
Leading reported league scorers:
8 Carlos Roca (Oldham)
7 Dean Buckley (Chester)
5 Damien Hindle (Burnley)
5 Craig Fleming (Oldham)
Merit League Table