THE Youth team kicked off the pre-season games with a hard fought 3-3 draw against Port Vale at Colliers Park this afternoon.

As with Wednesday's game, it was played over three 30 minute periods.

The first period ended 1-1 with first-year Scholar Aaron Malton grabbing our goal.

Schoolboy Louis Moss nipped in to put us 2-1 in front, following a lay off from Obi Anoruo, but we still managed to finish the second period trailing 3-2.

Into the final section of the game and old favourite Anoruo was on hand to score our third of the day and ensure that the honours were even come the final whistle.

Head of Youth Steve Cooper was pleased with the workout.

"We gave all our fit players a run out and they were pleased to be playing again," he said.

"It was a good game and I'm sure both sides will have benefitted from the 90 minutes.

"We have a number of friendlies lined-up over the coming weeks as we prepare for the start of the Youth Alliance season on 16 August."

The youngsters are in action again next Wednesday evening when they face Airbus.