U18S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 0

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

U18S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 0 - 0 BURNLEY

Points are shared with Hornets

2024-03-23T13:00:00.000Z

U18S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 0 - 0 BURNLEY

Points are shared with Hornets

2024-03-23T13:00:00.000Z

Points are shared with Hornets

Saturday morning saw Burnley U18s play out a goalless draw with their Watford counterparts in the Professional Development League.

Despite some frustration with the outcome, manager Tony Philliskirk took positives from the game in the form of the young squad's mentality and resilience.

They persistently pushed and pressed throughout the match, showcasing their determination and potential for growth.

Brandon Ly made a return to the starting XI for the first time since suffering an injury in December, with U16s players Brandon Pouani and Adam Abbas also involved at Watford's training ground.

The Clarets started on the front foot as Ly linked up with Zach Johnson, who caused the Hornets' defence trouble throughout the game with his threatening runs.

The first opportunity came seven minutes in when Johnson found himself open on the edge of the box, but his shot drifted narrowly wide.

U18S MATCH REPORT: BURNLEY 4-0 IPSWICH TOWN - Image 1

Benji Wetshi then showed his strengths when he weaved his way through the pitch and hammered the ball towards goal, but it fell wide once again.

Clarets goalkeeper Lewis Forshaw was called into action soon after when Jack Taylor found himself in space inside the box and fired an effort in, but Forshaw made a comfortable catch.

The last chance of the first half came from Johnson, who took a brilliant corner that curled towards goal but Sam Morris did well to punch the ball away from danger.

After a scoreless first period the Clarets resumed play with the same high level of intensity, however, the match grew more physically demanding as time progressed.

Dylan Sime had the first opportunity after the break from a free-kick just outside the area. The forward's powerful low strike evaded the Watford wall, but 'keeper Morris did well to push the ball out of play.

The hosts counter-attacked quickly as Jonathan Lawson maneuvered past Trialist and Marley Leuluai before trying his luck, but he was denied on the goal line.

U18S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 0 - 0 BURNLEY - Image 2

Forshaw then took the spotlight as he saved three Watford attempts, including a fine stop to deny Leo Ramirez-Espain who fired a square ball towards goal from close range.

Wetshi had the ultimate opportunity to change the result when Abbas skillfully weaved his way down the pitch and crossed for the unmarked striker, but his effort veered wide of the mark.

An eighth league draw of the season means the young Clarets stay 4th in the PDL table, now with 32 points from 22 matches.

Burnley U18s are next in action against Hull City on Saturday 30th April, travelling to Yorkshire to take on the Tigers in a 12pm kick-off.

Burnley: Forshaw, Sweeney, Pimlott, Trialist, Adekoya (McMahon-Brown 60'), Leuluai, Johnson, Ly (Carlin 60'), Wetshi, Sime (Abbas 60'), Pouani

Unused Subs: Chester

Watford: Morris, Stephenson, Vancea, Taylor, Wachowicz, Hunt, Odiase, Ramirez-Espain, Rawson, Galajevs, Garcia-Romero

Subs: Riza, Bunermin, Barrett, Nottey, Bowhan