U23 REACTION: JACKSON ON THE CLARETS' WIN OVER ASHTON ATHLETIC

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Jackson reflects on Ashton victory

2021-07-24T11:00:00.000Z

U23 REACTION: JACKSON ON THE CLARETS' WIN OVER ASHTON ATHLETIC

Jackson reflects on Ashton victory

2021-07-24T11:00:00.000Z

Jackson reflects on Ashton victory

Acting U23s' boss Michael Jackson was pleased to see the Clarets' preparation paying off as they secured their first pre-season win.

Jackson wanted a reaction to Burnley's semi-final loss in the Lockstep Trophy and got it as Rob Harker’s goal was enough to beat Ashton Athletic in the third/fourth-place play-off at Lancster.

“Today was a very good workout for us,” said Jackson.

“For me it was great to see what we’ve been working on in training implemented in the game today, and it really should have been five or six goals to the good for us in the end.

“It was important for this group to a win a game despite it being pre-season. There’s still lots we can improve on, but I am delighted with how the lads went about their work.”

Harker, 21 has impressed on and off the field since returning for pre-season, scoring four times in three games for the U23s and earning a piece of action in the first-team in their opening training-ground warm-up.

Harker has enjoyed a successful pre-season, with four goals in three games.

“He [Rob] was with the first team the other day and did really well in the bounce game and has now come back to the U23s and he’s not changed," added Jackson.

“He has been the same Rob that everybody knows and that’s credit to him as it’s not always easy to go up to the first team and then drop back down. He leads by example which is a credit to him.

“We really did attack Ashton today and that’s what I said to the lads before kick-off. Harker scored our goal and I said to him after the match how did you miss from two yards? He told me he fell over and lost his foot in. He was great this afternoon and I hope he kicks on again.”

Jackson also praised his medical staff after a tough few weeks on and off the training pitch.

He said: “The worst thing for a player is to pick up an injury as it sets them back 2-3 weeks. The medical staff have been brilliant.

“Pre-season is about getting minutes in the legs, and we’ve been able to give players time on the pitch over the course of the last four days. What’s also great is that we’ve come away with no injuries.

“Looking ahead now, we have two great games to look forward to. We have Wrexham at home in a bounce game and then we travel to Tranmere Rovers next Saturday.

"Those two matches will mean the levels will go right up again. It will be another great test for our lads.”