U18 REPORT: WATFORD 0-1 BURNLEY

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Young Clarets secure hard-fought victory over Hornets

2023-03-18T14:07:47.361Z

U18 REPORT: WATFORD 0-1 BURNLEY

Young Clarets secure hard-fought victory over Hornets

2023-03-18T14:07:47.361Z

U18 REPORT: COLCHESTER UNITED 4-0 BURNLEY - Image 2

Burnley’s U18 side were victorious against Watford in Professional Development League action at Watford Training Centre, winning 1-0.

The Clarets netted a first half goal through Rohan Vaughan and withstood a late barrage of shots and crosses to secure all three points.

Tony Philliskirk made five changes to the side that played out a 1-1 draw away at Barnsley, with U16 Noah Adekoya coming in for his first U18s appearance to replace Nathan James.

Jon Ander Vilar Robinson, Jack McEvilly, Sonny Pickup and Vaughan all also came into the team, in place of Charlie Casper, Logan Carlin, Wiktor Gromek and Trevon Bryan.

First Half

Watford started the quicker of the two sides and created a good opportunity in the opening minutes, with forward Aaron Benn creating space in the area, only to see his shot smothered by Vilar Robinson.

U18 REPORT: WATFORD 0-1 BURNLEY - Image 1

And the hosts continued to control the game for the opening 20 minutes with Charlie Davis firing a shot over from distance, Zak Fraser-Grant volleying straight at Vilar Robinson and Michael Adu-Poku heading just wide from a corner.

The Clarets however stood strong against the Watford attacks and had their reward when a clever, fluent piece of play starting with a long ball forward from McEvilly, which was headed into the path of Pickup by Lucas Wane, and the former’s cut-back was finished well by Vaughan to put Philliskirk’s side ahead.

The Hornets had a couple of half chances before the break, with Jack Taylor curling an effort wide and James Collins’ header meeting the same outcome as Burnley went into half-time in front.

Second Half

Vaughan saw the first chance of the second half fall his way, as he looked to add to his goal in the first 45, but after doing well to make space for a shot he dragged a strike straight at Watford ‘keeper Roraigh Browne.

U18 REPORT: WATFORD 0-1 BURNLEY - Image 2

As clear-cut opportunities were looking few and far between, the Hornets had a quickfire double-chance to get back into the game as Aaron Burton volleyed straight at Vilar Robinson before Ashton made a superb block on the line to deny Adu-Poku.

The Clarets were withstanding the Watford attacks and almost had a goal of their own when Kian Le Fondre’s corner found the head of Ashton who was brilliantly denied by the hosts stopper who made a flying save to tip wide.

Burnley defended the late Hornets forays forward well to see out a big three points on the road.

Watford: Browne, Furlong, Amass, Taylor, Adu-Poku, Davis, Collins, Fraser-Grant, Benn

Subs: Trialist, Ortelli, Casey, Osborn, Goulandris

Burnley: Vilar Robinson, Sweeney, Adekoya, McEvilly, Ashton, Wane (Tioffo ’60), Rogers, Pickup (Wane ’51), Le Fondre, West, Vaughan (Masara ’60)

Unused Subs: Forshaw

Goals: Vaughan, ‘27