U18s REPORT: PRESTON NE 0-0 BURNLEY (3-4 PENALTIES)

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Shootout success sees young Clarets into last four of regional cup competition

2021-11-11T10:38:30.873Z

U18s REPORT: PRESTON NE 0-0 BURNLEY (3-4 PENALTIES)

Shootout success sees young Clarets into last four of regional cup competition

2021-11-11T10:38:30.873Z

Young Clarets defeat Potters at Gawthorpe to earn first league double of campaign

Tony Philliskirk’s youth team progressed through into the semi-finals of the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup courtesy of a penalty shootout victory away at Preston North End.

After a goalless 90 minutes at North End’s Springfields training ground, four successful spot kicks sealed Burnley’s place in the last four of the competition with Joe Bauress, Sean Etaluku, George Walters and Will Hugill all converting from 12 yards out.

Forward Walters had the first real opportunity of the quarter-final tie 20 minutes in as he found space in the box and drilled a shot at goal which Preston goalkeeper Tommy Davis tipped behind.

Burnley thought they had the lead soon after with Kian Le Fondre lobbing Davis to score, but a contentious offside from the linesman denied the young Clarets an opener.

‘Keeper Charlie Casper then did well to deny Preston’s Vaughn Green when the striker was through on goal in what was the only other real chance of note in the first half, though the opening 45 minutes ended on a sour note for Philliskirk’s side as Le Fondre was forced off with an injury.

Wiktor Gromek was also replaced at the break, with Nathan James taking his place in the Burnley backline. And in a carbon copy of the first half, the first chance of the second 45 fell to Walters just after the hour mark.

U18s REPORT: PRESTON NE 0-0 BURNLEY (3-4 PENALTIES) - Image 1

Trevon Bryan – on off the bench to replace Le Fondre – won the ball back high up the pitch and whipped a cross in which Walters leapt highest to meet, but could only direct his header over the bar.

Preston then enjoyed a period in the ascendancy, but resolute defending by the young Clarets and a good save from Casper denied the hosts a goal.

Boss Philliskirk introduced Ryan Tioffo from the bench for the final 10 minutes, and his movement up front helped to create a late chance for Kade Ratchford, who was slipped through on goal by teammate Walters.

Under pressure from a North End defender, Ratchford got his shot away though it went narrowly wide via a deflection ensuring that the 90 minutes would come to an end with the scoreline at 0-0. With no extra time in the competition, the tie went straight to penalties. Shot stopper Casper got the Clarets off to a flyer with a save from Preston’s first spot kick, with North End also firing over their second effort after midfielder Bauress had netted Burnley’s first.

And though the Lilywhites scored their remaining three, Etaluku, Walters and Hugill kept their nerve to seal the young Clarets’ spot in the semi-finals.

Philliskirk’s side will now return to action after the international break when focus switches back to action in the U18 Northern Premier League and the visit of Manchester United to Gawthorpe on Saturday, November 20. That game is scheduled to kick off at 11:00AM.

Burnley: Casper, Gromek (James HT), Leckie, Sassi (C), Ashton, Bauress, Ratchford, Hugill, Etaluku, Walters, Le Fondre (Bryan 45’ – Tioffo 78’)

Preston: Davis, Wallbank, Blanchard, Leigh (C), Mfuni, Best, Taylor, Khan, Green, Pemberton (Havard 85’), Slater