U18S MATCH REPORT: BURNLEY 2-0 COLCHESTER UNITED

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Second-half double sees young Clarets over the line

2025-05-02T16:25:01.302Z

U18S MATCH REPORT: BURNLEY 2-0 COLCHESTER UNITED

Second-half double sees young Clarets over the line

2025-05-02T16:25:01.302Z

U18S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V WATFORD - Image 1

Goals from Kian McMahon-Brown and Vernon Masara saw Burnley U18s complete their Professional Development League North season with a 2-0 victory over Colchester United.

Both goals came in the second half at Burnley Training Centre as Tony Philliskirk’s side now turn their attention to next week’s national play-off semi final against Watford.

There were two changes to the side that started Tuesday night’s Lancashire FA Senior Cup final against Bolton Wanderers B.

Albert Blackie started at right-back in a move that saw Michael Stanley push inside, while Fabio So took the place of Dylan Morison in central midfield.

Masara led the line, with Brandon Pouani and Zach Johnson to his left and right respectively.

U18S MATCH REPORT: BURNLEY 2-0 COLCHESTER UNITED - Image 1

Masara was the first young Claret to take aim after being found by Johnson, but his effort found the side netting.

Both teams then had golden opportunities to score within three minutes of each other.

Pouani was first, heading a pinpoint Johnson cross into the ground and over the bar before Dwayne Campino De Vale shot wide when one-on-one with Connor Edwards at the other end.

The Clarets continued to push forwards and Pouani fired another presentable chance into the ground and over, before George Brierley hit the post on the stroke of half-time.

It was goalless at the break and Philliskirk took the opportunity to shake things up, with McMahon-Brown taking the place of Noah Adekoya

The Republic of Ireland youth international came agonisingly close to having the dream impact, smacking the bar within 25 seconds of the restart.

U18S MATCH REPORT: BURNLEY 2-0 COLCHESTER UNITED - Image 2

Burnley weren’t having it all their own way as Joe Wilcock scrambled to clear Fela Abidekun’s header off the line and James Sasere later shot wide.

Johnson then hit the bar with a ferocious left-footed volley as the pressure grew and Philliskirk bought on more fire power in the form of Troy Savage and Braidin Derbyshire.

The deadlock was eventually broken with 70 minutes on the clock. After latching onto Johnson’s through ball, McMahon-Brown produced a trademark chipped finish over the ‘keeper.

A second goal three minutes later made sure of the result, and this time McMahon-Brown turned provider for Masara to calmy pick out the bottom right corner.

Our last change straight after the goal saw Corey King replace Adam McCoy and the scoreline could perhaps have finished greater, with Derbyshire pulling a couple of chances narrowly wide.

Alas, the team held on for a 15th league clean sheet of the season and finish their campaign with 69 points from 31 matches.

Next up is the visit of Watford to Turf Moor on Friday 9th May, with kick-off at 7pm. Burnley season ticket holders can claim their free ticket by clicking here.

Burnley: Edwards, Blackie, Wilcock, Stanley, Adekoya (K. McMahon-Brown 46), So (Savage 65), Johnson, Brierley, Masara, McCoy (King 74), Pouani (Derbyshire 65)

Colchester United: Trialist (Sexton 78), Nkrumah, Brimah, Lewis, Abidekun, Benjoko, Moore, Emery, Makatta (Frank 46), Sasere, Campino De Vale (Dagher 64)

Unused Substitutes: Sabah, Henry

Goals: K. McMahon-Brown 70’, Masara 73’