U23 REACTION - JACKSON: IMPROVEMENT IS THE KEY

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U23s boss pleased with improvements on show in Reading win

2021-09-28T11:38:16.503Z

U23 REACTION - JACKSON: IMPROVEMENT IS THE KEY

U23s boss pleased with improvements on show in Reading win

2021-09-28T11:38:16.503Z

Clarets take on Toffees in Premier League Cup clash at Leyland

U23’s boss Michael Jackson wants his side to keep improving after they earned their second win of the Premier League 2 campaign.

The Clarets saw off Reading at the County Ground in Leyland, running out 3-1 winners on the night.

Birthday boy Joe McGlynn – who turned 19 – netted the opener three minutes in with Michael Mellon adding a second midway through the first half having made the step up from the U18’s.

Striker Sam Unwin also came off the bench to seal the three points as the clock ticked into added time.

And though delighted with the win, Jackson was even more pleased with the execution on show during the game post-match.

“Our performance was good tonight. It’s a good result for the group. I’ve said it before, but the results aren’t the main thing for me. I just want the lads to make sure that they’re improving because that’s what it’s all about,” said the Burnley U23 boss.

“It’s all about building and us improving consistently, both as a team and as individuals.

U23 REACTION - JACKSON: IMPROVEMENT IS THE KEY - Image 1

“It was good to have Kevin Long’s experience with us around the group tonight again, and he needed to play those 90 minutes because he’s been out with injuries for so long.

“Since I’ve come in, I’ve seen big improvements in some areas and some really good stuff from the lads. We try to teach them the real excellent basics which you can go on and make a career out of. Consistently doing the basics right and then you can add that bit of a sparkle.

“There’s still loads that we need to get better at, but I can see improvement and that’s what we’re always looking for.”

In grabbing the decisive third goal for the Clarets, frontman Unwin made it two goals in two games coming off the bench. He also scored in Burnley’s win away at Southampton in their previous outing with a lopping header over the goalkeeper.

Boss Jackson was thrilled to see him – and his attacking teammates – taking their opportunities when provided with them.

“That’s brilliant from Sam again tonight who has had an impact almost every time he has come on this season.

“Young Michael [Mellon] scores too who I’ve seen grow up knowing his dad and working alongside him, so for him to be playing a level up [from his age category] is great.

“Joe [McGlynn]’s only just coming back as well. He had COVID and then an injury so I’m glad he got a goal tonight. He looked more powerful and full of running all evening which is good to see.

“I always say to the players that they have to take their opportunity when it comes because that’s what this game is all about.”

The U23’s are back in action quickly, with focus now turning to a Friday night trip to Nottingham Forest as they head for a second international break of the season.