U18 REPORT: Burnley 2 Newcastle United 0

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Young youth team side grasp opportunity and secure impressive win

2021-03-20T14:52:14.310Z

U18 REPORT: Burnley 2 Newcastle United 0

Young youth team side grasp opportunity and secure impressive win

2021-03-20T14:52:14.310Z

Young youth team side grasp opportunity and secure impressive win

Tony Philliskirk's side moved up to fifth in the league table, with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at Leyland on Saturday.

A four minute brace from striker Joe Smyth-Ferguson just before half-time was enough for the youngsters to take all three points from the North East side.

It was a very young Burnley side, with most of the regular U18s playing on Thursday night, in the FA Youth Cup at AFC Wimbledon.

That opened the door for a full first-year scholar XI this weekend, apart from goalkeeper Harry Allen, with U15 midfielder Joe Bauress making his first start for the youth team.

And the youthful side grabbed the opportunity to impress with both hands and sealed a sweet victory on an afternoon to remember.

U18 REPORT: Burnley 2 Newcastle United 0 - Image 1

It was a quiet start to the Northern Premier League game, with both sides just looking to settle into it.

But it was United who came close to breaking the deadlock, as midfielder Lucas De Bolle headed just over from inside the area.

However, minutes later the Clarets found the opener and it was Smyth-Ferguson who headed home Jacob Hamilton's cross past Max Thompson in the Newcastle goal, to give the home side the advantage.

And just three minutes later, the forward doubled the hosts' lead, this time poking the ball in from close range, with the half-way mark approaching.

The visitors looked to reply just before the break, but James Huntley's header from inside the six-yard box sailed just over Allen's bar.

U18 REPORT: Burnley 2 Newcastle United 0 - Image 2

It took both sides a little while to get going once again in the second-half, with no real chances until after the hour.

The lively Hamilton, who had been causing the Toon defence problems all afternoon, was then replaced by Will Hugill with 15 minutes to go, after picking up an unfortunate injury.

But the Clarets then had another chance, as Behan found time and space on the edge of the area, before seeing his strike saved by Thompson.

And despite late pressure from United, Philliskirk's side stood strong to keep the visitors at bay and seal all three points.

BURNLEY: Allen, Coppack, Ward, Leckie, McCullough, Walters (Eastmond 60), Couch, Bauress, Behan, Hamilton (Hugill 75), Smyth-Fergsuon.

Subs: Williams, Waller.