U18 REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 HULL CITY

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Clarets conquer Tigers in opening game of 2023

2023-01-07T14:00:00.000Z

U18 REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 HULL CITY

Clarets conquer Tigers in opening game of 2023

2023-01-07T14:00:00.000Z

Clarets conquer Tigers in opening game of 2023

Tony Philliskirk’s youth team were victorious in their first game of the New Year, beating Hull City 1-0 at the Burnley Training Centre in U18 Professional Development League action.

Polish youth international Wiktor Gromek scored the only goal in a tight game five minutes into the second half, earning all three points from a resolute performance in both boxes.

Boss Philliskirk made three changes from the FA Youth Cup success against Norwich City before the festive break, with Oliver Sweeney coming in for Tosin Olopade and Frankie Deane taking the place of Joe Bauress.

Extra-time goalscorer in that tie against the Canaries, Lucas Wane was rewarded with a start, replacing 15-year-old Vernon Masara.

First Half

The Young Clarets started on the front foot, and had the first chance of the contest within the opening five minutes. Full-back Brad Grant drove down the left-hand side, shrugging off a challenge from Sam Jackson to cross low for captain Joe Westley who flicked an effort over.

U18 REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 HULL CITY - Image 1

A quiet 15 minutes followed before Ryan Tioffo bent a cross towards the back post which ended up the hands of Tigers goalkeeper Tom Macauley.

Hull’s first real chance of the game fell to Irish youth international Stan Ashbee who drove low at goal but only saw his effort dropped on by Burnley shot stopper Charlie Casper.

And the Clarets should have been ahead moments later, when eventual matchwinner Gromek looped a ball over the static Hull backline. Winger Wane latched onto it and slipped a shot just wide of the far post.

U18 REPORT: SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2-1 BURNLEY - Image 2

Headed up by the duo of John Anderson and Billy Clarke, visitors Hull could’ve been ahead at the other end before the break when forward Harry Spence intercepted Casper’s pass into the midfield and found himself through on goal. Only a superb one-on-one save from the Burnley ‘keeper denied him.

Second Half

After a goalless first half, Philliskirk’s side again started the second 45 well, and their pressing style of play told when they managed to take the lead through Gromek.

Defender Joe Ashton pressed a clearance from the Tigers into midfield, winning the ball back, and through a clearance of his own found the Polish midfielder through on goal.

U18 REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 HULL CITY - Image 3

Gromek waited for the onrushing Macauley to vacate his goal before lobbing an effort over the ‘keeper into an empty net in fine style.

The Young Clarets then thought they were two up when Nathan James rose highest to head home an excellent Deane corner, but saw his goal disallowed as he was adjudged to have fouled a City defender in the build-up.

Dealing comfortably with the forays forward which came from the Tigers in the remainder of the contest, Burnley prevented any clear-cut chances.

And at the other end Philliskirk’s side again thought they were two clear when substitute Rohan Vaughan slotted home, but again were denied with this one chalked off through an offside call.

U18 REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 HULL CITY - Image 4

1-0 it remained come the full time whistle, and the Young Clarets picked up a first victory in the league since October.

They are now back in action next Saturday – 14th January – when they travel to the Middlewood Road Training Ground to face Sheffield Wednesday (12pm KO).

Burnley: Casper, Sweeney (Rogers ’81), James, Ashton, Grant, Gromek, Deane, West, Tioffo (Pickup ’87), Wane (Vaughan ’73), Westley ©

Unused Subs: Vilar Robinson, Sime

Hull City: Macauley, Jackson, Trialist, Ashbee, Fanning ©, Cooper, Opoku, Gray, Kelly, Spence, Brown

Subs: Onoh, Johnson, Nkomba

Goals: Gromek, ‘50