FARRELL ‘BOURNEMOUTH TRIP FEELS LIKE A CUP FINAL’

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U21s Manager previews play-off tie

2025-05-11T15:00:00.000Z

FARRELL ‘BOURNEMOUTH TRIP FEELS LIKE A CUP FINAL’

U21s Manager previews play-off tie

2025-05-11T15:00:00.000Z

U21s Manager previews play-off tie

U21s Manager Andy Farrell says he is looking forward to seeing his players test themselves against a strong AFC Bournemouth side on Monday night.

The young Clarets travel to the south coast for their Professional Development League play-off semi-final, with kick-off at 7pm.

Both teams have finished their respective seasons well in recent weeks, and Farrell’s side ended their regular league campaign with a 4-1 victory at Cardiff City earlier this week.

The Cherries are arguably the county’s most in-form side at this level, though, winning 13 straight league games to finish top of the South section.

Looking ahead to the match, Farrell said: “The boys are obviously excited.

“They’re going to be playing at another Premier League ground, with the opportunity to get through to a play-off final.

“The lads have been really good all season. We’ve had the odd hiccup along the way but, generally, we’ve been quite solid and resilient defensively, and good going forward.

“We’ve just had the odd moment where we’ve switched off; Brentford was a prime example of that.

“I thought we played really well at Turf Moor that day and ended up conceding a couple of goals through switching off.

“It’s a semi-final but it feels like a cup final, because if we’re not on it, it could be our last game of the season.

“I’m hoping we get a performance that’s very similar to what we’ve been delivering in recent weeks, and that we get the rub of the green.”

FARRELL ‘BOURNEMOUTH TRIP FEELS LIKE A CUP FINAL’ - Image 1

Bournemouth’s points tally of 67 from 31 matches bettered ours by eight, with the Cherries recording 21 wins and four draws.

One of those victories came against us earlier this season, when the south coast side showed great resilience to come from behind twice and win 3-2 in second-half stoppage-time.

Although aware of the quality Alan Connell’s side possess, Farrell believes his players are more than capable of getting a result.

“They’re top of their league and I think the southern league is stronger in terms of the numbers at the top end,” he continued.

“In the games that we’ve played against teams from down there the performances have been good, and we’ve not been far away.

“I think Bournemouth will be good physically and technically. Tactically the teams at the top end have been really good and have a good understanding of what they’re trying to achieve, however they play.

“From our point of view, it will be all about trying to combat that in how we set up and approach the game.

“Out of possession will be key too – if we do the defensive jobs that some young lads don’t really see as the stepping stone to professional football, we’ll do well.

“I can see us scoring a goal or two, it’s just whether we can keep them out at the other end. We’ve got a good chance.”

Supporters are welcome to attend this game in person at Vitality Stadium (BH7 7AF), with tickets for the 7pm kick-off priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Tickets are available to purchase online here, in person at Bournemouth’s ticket office or over the phone at 01202 726300 (option one).

Alternatively, be sure to follow live updates on X @ClaretsAcademy and read our take on the action on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.