U18 REPORT: Burnley 1 Derby County 1

Tony Philliskirk's side came away with a valuable point from a tough battle with Derby County on Saturday afternoon in a 1-1 draw.

Joe Smyth-Ferguson opened the scoring in the first-half, before Luke Plange headed home the equaliser for the visitors in the 75th minute.

It was a young side for the Clarets once again, with nine first-year scholars starting and an U16 midfielder in Joe Bauress.

But once again a perfomance to be proud of for the youngsters, against a strong Derby side, on an afternoon playing in difficult conditions.

The Clarets started bright and had a great opportunity to take the lead with three minutes played, as Jack Leckie rose highest from a corner, only for his header to be saved by Max Flatters.

Derby then had their first real attack, as Jack Rogers broke down the left, before cutting inside and firing an effort just over the bar.

But just after the half hour mark, the home side took the lead, as Smyth-Ferguson fired in from close range, following Flatters' parried save.

The Clarets pushed for a second, as half-time approached, but the Rams' defence stood strong to head in only a goal behind.

But just 10 minutes into the second-half, Burnley should have doubled their lead, as Smyth-Ferguson struck a ball just wide of the post.

And the hosts were made to pay, as Plange headed home from the centre of the box past Harry Allen with 15 minutes left on the clock.

But despite both sides pushing for a winner, there were no real chances for either side in the final few minutes.

BURNLEY: Allen, Williams, Sassi, Leckie, McCullough, Behan, Bauress, Coppack, Walters, Eastmond, Smyth-Ferguson.

Subs: Capser, Ratchford, Hugill, Ward, Mellon.