Goals from strikers Danny Barlow (pictured) and James Spencer gave Town's under-18 side a 2-0 derby victory over Leeds United at Storthes Hall on Saturday.
The game was played at the frenetic pace that you would anticipate in a local clash, but Town's youngsters fully deserved their victory and custodian Damian Eastham had very little to do on the afternoon.
Striker Barlow opened the scoring in the 40th minute after going on an impressive run from just inside the Leeds half, beating two men with a mazy dribble before drilling the ball low into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards out.
First-year scholar Spencer added a late second goal after seizing upon a poor back-pass from an away defender, coming out of a 50-50 challenge with the Leeds goalkeeper with the ball and slotting into a vacant net.
Graham Mitchell's side had another goal ruled out in the 79th minute when midfielder Chris Atkinson was wrongly adjudged to be in an offside position when slamming home a rebound after Barlow's original effort was parried to him by the Leeds 'keeper.
This FA Premier Academy League victory was the ideal preparation for Wednesday night's game at Rochdale in the first round of this season's FA Youth Cup (kick-off 7pm at Spotland).
Only under-18 captain Spencer Harris is doubtful for the game due to his damaged ankle ligaments.
htafc.com will bring you a full match report from Spotland on Wednesday evening!
Town Under-18s vs. Leeds United:
Damian Eastham, Jack Hunt, Liam Ridehalgh, Dave Pickering, Leigh Franks, Lewis Nightingale (Stephen Brook 89), Luke Williams (Chris Atkinson 75), Lewis Collinson, Dave Heagney, Hatib Cham (James Spencer 46), Danny Barlow
Unused Subs: Aidan Chippendale, Adam Bower
