U18S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V WATFORD

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Play-off action at Turf Moor

2025-05-08T12:00:00.000Z

U18S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V WATFORD

Play-off action at Turf Moor

2025-05-08T12:00:00.000Z

Play-off action at Turf Moor

Burnley U18s welcome Watford to Turf Moor on Friday evening, with a place in the national Professional Development League final at stake.

Tony Philliskirk’s team booked their place in the semi-finals by winning the North section with 69 points from their 31 matches – four more than Sheffield Wednesday in 2nd.

The U18s have been impressive at both ends of the pitch in 2024/25, leading the way in terms of goals scored and goals conceded.

Their goal difference of 62 is 21 clear of the next best challengers, and the players will be eager to produce a performance to remember in BB10.

Burnley finished the regular league season with a 2-0 victory over Colchester United in the Lancashire sun last week.

After a goalless first half, Philliskirk introduced Kian McMahon-Brown at the break and the striker went on to open the scoring with a deft finish over the ‘keeper 20 minutes from time.

The 16-year-old then teed up Vernon Masara to make it 2-0 with a calm finish three minutes later.

U18S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V WATFORD - Image 1

Watford finished 2nd in the South section, claiming 60 points from their matches courtesy of 19 wins and three draws.

The Hornets are competing in the end-of-season play-offs for the first time in their history, and head into Friday’s match buoyed by a 2-0 win over Peterborough United on the final day. Marats Galajevs’ double was the difference between the two teams in Cambridgeshire.

The young Clarets won the North section title when they travelled to Watford last month, winning an action-packed match 5-1.

After Zach Johnson opened the scoring in the first minute, a fine Brandon Pouani strike gave the team control.

Johnson netted again before half-time and Kian McMahon-Brown recorded a brace after the break to confirm all three points and spark post-match celebrations for everybody involved.

U18S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V WATFORD - Image 2

Supporters are encouraged to get behind the team in person for this 7pm kick-off, with Burnley season ticket holders able to gain entry for free.

To do so, please claim your complimentary ticket in advance of matchday online here, over the phone on 01282 446800 of in person at the Turf Moor ticket office.

Non-season ticket holders are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, with all general admission seating located in the Bob Lord Stand.

If you can’t make it, be sure to follow live updates on X @ClaretsAcademy and read a summary of the action in our match report, which will be shared on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.