FARRELL SAYS U21s ARE ‘READY TO GO’ AFTER TOUGH ASHTON TEST

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U21s coach discusses his sides performance against senior opposition

2023-08-12T10:00:00.000Z

FARRELL SAYS U21s ARE ‘READY TO GO’ AFTER TOUGH ASHTON TEST

U21s coach discusses his sides performance against senior opposition

2023-08-12T10:00:00.000Z

U21s coach discusses his sides performance against senior opposition

Andy Farrell reflected on the U21s 3-2 defeat to Ashton United and thought they did well despite the hosts putting out a much more experienced side.

Goals from Joe Ashton and Kian Le Fondre weren’t enough to see that Clarets to victory, as Marcus Cusani struck twice for United, before Dan Cowan headed in the winner 16 minutes from time to condemn a young Burnley side to defeat.

Despite the loss, Farrell was pleased with the effort levels and physicality his side showed during the pre-season fixture.

He said: “There was a lot of young lads involved tonight and I think they went about it really well.

“We had a lot of the ball, and probably came up against something slightly different to what we’re used to.

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“Ashton dropped deep and had one up front trying to press our two centre halves, so we just ended up pushing players further forward and picking up pockets to try and find a way to get the ball wide.

“That’s where the space was, so it was just a case of moving the ball a little bit quicker, and that’s what I said to the lads at half time.

“At times we did that well and I think we did it a lot better in the second half, but we conceded three sloppy goals really.”

Playing against a senior side is important for the U21s to gain experience playing a more physical game.

And Farrell was keen to express how vital that sort of game was for his players.

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He added: “It’s a great experience for our lads, especially for the second years that we had in tonight, who are showing up really well at the moment.

“This sort of game is crucial to their development, as it gets them out of youth football and into a real, physical sort of game.

“The players are covering the ground really well at the moment and definitely have their pressing up to a tee.

“It’s just about finding that little bit of detail at the top end of the pitch, to create those opportunities on goal.”

The Clarets U21 Professional Development League season starts on Monday 21st August with a trip to Millwall, a game that Farrell believes his side are more than ready for.

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He finished by saying: “We’ve lost a few, we’ve lost Benn [Ward] who’s gone out on loan to Swindon, but I think we’re ready physically and look good with the running stats at the moment.

“The last game was probably as fit as we’ve been so that’s good and we’ve got Salford next Tuesday, so that will be a more interesting one against more experienced players.

“So, I think we’re ready for the season now.”