PREVIEW | Burnley U18s v Leeds United U18s

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War of the roses clash at Leyland

2020-10-30T12:00:00.000Z

PREVIEW | Burnley U18s v Leeds United U18s

War of the roses clash at Leyland

2020-10-30T12:00:00.000Z

Clarets host league leaders United this weekend

Tony Philliskirk’s youth team return to action this Saturday, hosting Leeds United at Leyland in the Northern Premier League.

The Clarets won comfortably last time out at Sunderland last weekend, with Dylan Moonan, Sam Unwin, and Michael Mellon all on the score-sheet.

And Unwin, who finished from the spot and was involved in the first goal, believes the win and performance gave the youngsters a confidence boost they needed.

The second-year scholar said: “The performance last week has given the lads confidence going into the game against Leeds, which we needed.

“We created a lot of chances and defensively we were solid, we just need to make sure we focus for the full 90 minutes and not switch off and concede sloppy goals.

PREVIEW | Burnley U18s v Leeds United U18s - Image 1

“I felt that the result last week is what we deserved, we have been working hard in training and have been very unlucky in our past few games.

“So, picking up all three points last week is what we needed, giving us the confidence for this week’s match against a strong Leeds side.”

This season Unwin, who usually operates a central or wide midfielder, has been playing a much more advance striker’s role, alongside Joe McGlynn and Michael Mellon.

And the former Bury youngster, who found the back of the net last weekend against Sunderland and against Everton earlier this month, admits he is enjoying his new attacking role in Philliskirk’s side.

U18 REPORT: Everton 0 Burnley 1 - Image 2

“I have really enjoyed playing in a number nine role this season, I can use more of my attributes in the more attacking role with my speed and finishing ability.

“I was very happy with my personal performance last week and even happier to get onto the score sheet.

“And I’m going to be focusing this weekend on trying to replicate my performance and doing the most I can for the team to get the three points.”

The match at Lancashire FA’s Leyland County Ground kicks off at 11:00am, with live updates available on Twitter (@ClaretsAcademy), followed by report and reaction.