U21 REPORT: BARNSLEY 3-0 BURNLEY

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Harwood-Bellis makes return from injury as Clarets beaten by Tykes

2023-03-14T09:00:00.000Z

U21 REPORT: BARNSLEY 3-0 BURNLEY

Harwood-Bellis makes return from injury as Clarets beaten by Tykes

2023-03-14T09:00:00.000Z

TEAM NEWS: HULL CITY V BURNLEY - Image 1

Taylor Harwood-Bellis played 45 minutes in his comeback from injury as the U21s lost out 3-0 to Barnsley at Oakwell.

Netting early through Aiden Marsh, the Tykes went on to net twice in the space of seven second half minutes to secure all three points in Professional Development League action.

21-year-old Harwood-Bellis was one of four changes to the U21s side from their 2-1 win at home against Coventry City nine days earlier as Renaldo Torraj, Ne-Jai Tucker & Joe Westley all also returned.

Out went Jack Turner, and the senior trio of Samuel Bastien, Darko Churlinov & Halil Dervişoğlu. Barnsley also named some experienced heads in their lineup at Oakwell including 24-year-olds Luke Thomas & Barry Cotter.

First Half

Hosts Barnsley started the brighter and were ahead within four minutes through Marsh, who volleyed a low cross home at the back post in space.

U21 PREVIEW: SHEFFIELD UNITED V BURNLEY - Image 1

The same man almost made it two five minutes later as his header rattled the bar, and after Keelan Williams’ attempted clearance at the rebound was kept out well by Denis Franchi, the full-back blocked away Marsh’s follow-up.

Luke Thomas then drilled a shot into the side netting for the Reds, before the game settled down and chances were limited at both ends.

Eventually, towards the end of the half, Fabio Jalo saw a tame strike held by Franchi and Jon Russell struck well over from range. Marcel Lewis also saw a shot headed clear in the last action of the opening 45 minutes for the Clarets.

Second Half

Jack Turner replaced Harwood-Bellis at the interval, and was tested almost immediately as goalscorer Marsh took him on in a foot race to get a shot away which Franchi parried.

U21 REPORT: BARNSLEY 3-0 BURNLEY - Image 2

Burnley then grew into the contest as Lewis, Williams and forward Joe Westley all tried their luck in search of a leveller.

But just after the hour-mark, Jordan Helliwell poked home from a corner delivery to double the hosts’ advantage.

And soon after it was 3-0 as Luke Thomas found space at the edge of the box to turn and curl a strike into the top corner.

With a little under 15 minutes remaining, Lewis rattled the bar at the other end having taken Franchi’s long kick upfield down well and got himself in behind.

Substitute Tom Tweedy also saw a shot blocked away inside the box while fellow change Will Hugill then sent a strike wide of the mark from distance as the ball was worked out to him from a free-kick.

U21 REPORT: MILLWALL 1-0 BURNLEY - Image 1

Franchi denied Thomas a second of the afternoon from point-blank range with a reaction stop at the other end, and the referee’s whistle blew soon after to signal full time.

The U21s are now next in action on Tuesday 21st March at Bramall Lane against league leaders Sheffield United (2pm KO).

Burnley: Franchi, Williams, Sassi, Harwood-Bellis (Turner HT), Grant, Bauress, Davies (Hugill ’68), Torraj (Thompson ’68), Tucker, Westley (Tweedy ’68), Lewis

Unused Subs: Vilar Robinson

Barnsley: Hayton, Cotter, Trialist, Helliwell, Cundy, Pache, Nejman ©, Russell, Jalo, Thomas, Marsh

Subs: Searle, Hassan-Smith, Hickingbottom, Nzondo, Benson

Goals: Marsh, ‘4, Helliwell, ’61, Thomas, ‘68