County’s Academy Scholars got back to winning ways on Saturday, as the young Hatters beat Oldham 1-0 at Stockport Sports Village in the EFL Youth Alliance North West Division.
Kylan Depeiaza grabbed the only goal of the game, fifteen minutes into the second half, following a deep cross by Che Gardner.
The visitors had the first sight of goal. A physical battle outside the area worked space for a low cross into the County box, and the ball was inches away from finding an orange shirt, with an easy tap-in.
A wayward clearance by the Oldham goalkeeper found the feet of Christian Mulindwa. The midfielder threaded a pass through to Depeiaza, who saw his close range strike palmed away to safety.
County came close to taking the lead, through both Depeiaza and Callum Scruton. A floated cross by Mulindwa found the forward, who headed against the crossbar, before Scruton smashed an effort off the woodwork on the follow up.
Good pressing by County presented Ashton Mee with a chance at goal, but his long range effort was comfortably held by the Oldham goalkeeper.
HALF-TIME: County 0-0 Oldham Athletic
After a positive half from County, the pressure finally paid off. Good link up play by Joe Hillary and Gardner on the left resulted in a looping cross to the back post, where Jake Lewis was waiting to volley back across to Depeiaza. The striker, in acres of space, nodded County into the lead.
Although a comfortable second period, Oldham came close to levelling the score. A cross to the back post wasn’t dealt with, and a scramble inside the area was poked away from danger.
FULL-TIME: County 1-0 Oldham Athletic
County XI: O’Shea; Lewis, Kenny, Scruton, Watson, Hillary; Mulindwa, Johnson, Mee (Jones 57′); Depeiaza (Fligg 76′), Gardner (Barry 76′).
