Reserves win
Graham comes through with no ill effect

It is hoped he might be ready for first-team action in a fortnight's time after a couple more junior matches to sharpen him up after such a lengthy lay-off. Midfield player Phil Salt was forced to pull out of last night's game with a groin strain picked up in training. Striker Paul Beavers, who suffered an Achilles injury at Gillingham, should soon be back in action. His injury is not as bad as was at first feared. 

Athletic could have triumphed by a wider margin against a Grimsby side packed with experienced players. Sugden was denied by a superb save from ‘keeper Steve Croudson, while substitutes Danny Boshell and Nathan Wharton failed to hit the target from great positions. It was a promising performance in which Athletic defended so well that Campbell had precious little work to do. Athletic fielded three central defenders, with Iain Swan rock solid and ably assisted by the reliable Mark Hotte and young Ben Futcher. They completely nullified the threat of the front two, Bradley Allen and Mark Quayle. Athletic grafted in midfield, with Richard Graham and Matthew Tipton forming an unlikely partnership along with Danny Walsh. Graham, normally a central defender, was returning after a near nine-month lay off while Tipton, normally a front man, looked comfortable in the middle.Whitehall and Sugden showed some neat touches and the latter was unlucky not to also get on to the scoresheet.

Reserves: Campbell, Tait, Clitheroe, Futcher, Swan, Hotte, Walsh, Graham (Boshell 59), Tipton, Whitehall (D McNiven 59), Sugden (Wharton 74). Subs (not used): Mohan, McLean.