U21S MATCH REPORT: AFC BOURNEMOUTH 4-3 BURNLEY

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Young Clarets beaten in play-offs

2025-05-12T21:24:38.756Z

U21S MATCH REPORT: AFC BOURNEMOUTH 4-3 BURNLEY

Young Clarets beaten in play-offs

2025-05-12T21:24:38.756Z

Young Clarets beaten in play-offs

Burnley U21s rallied late but were unable to prevent a defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth on Monday night, losing an action-packed match 4-3.

Joe Bauress, Tommy McDermott and Joe Westley were all on target in the Professional Development League play-off semi-final at Vitality Stadium.

There were two changes to the side that beat Cardiff City last week, with manager Andy Farrell opting for a change of formation.

Alex Healy-Byrne stepped in to take the right sided role in a back three, with Hamzat Balogun and Logan Pye playing at wing back.

Following the conclusion of his loan spell at Swindon Town, Westley returned to lead the line on the south coast.

U21S MATCH REPORT: AFC BOURNEMOUTH 4-3 BURNLEY - Image 1

A busy start saw the Clarets take an early lead through Bauress, whose first-time strike from the edge of the area found the back of the net with the help of a deflection.

It was all-square in the seventh minute when Cherries pressure forced McDermott into a loose back pass, and ‘keeper Lewis Forshaw was unable to keep it out.

The match then became end to end and after Archie Harris smacked the bar from close range, Ashley Clarke rounded off a quick counterattack to make it 2-1 to the hosts before half-time.

Farrell turned to his bench for the first time at the break as Kamarni Ryan replaced Tom Tweedy, but Bournemouth extended their lead just two minutes into the second half.

This time it was Remy Rees-Dottin who was on target, netting well having been teed up by Ben Winterburn.

U21S MATCH REPORT: AFC BOURNEMOUTH 4-3 BURNLEY - Image 2

Despite their best efforts the young Clarets were struggling to get a foothold in the game, and Daniel Adu-Adjei made it 4-1 just after the hour mark.

The in-form striker was able to beat Forshaw to the ball as the Cherries launched a quick counterattack, before calmly slotting home into an empty net.

A double change shortly afterwards saw Troy Savage and Oli Pimlott replace Balogun and Socoliche respectively, and Ryan worked Cherries ‘keeper Callan McKenna low to his left.

Our last change of the night saw U18s defender Jack McEvilly replace Pye before McDermott produced a fantastic finish into the top right corner to reduce the arrears with 87 on the clock.

As the match entered six minutes of stoppage-time Pimlott hit a presentable chance straight down the ‘keeper’s throat.

There was still time for more drama as Westley marked his return with a poacher’s finish, but the Clarets were unable to force extra time and the season has now come to an end.

Burnley: Forshaw, Healy-Byrne, Pye (McEvilly 84), Ashton, Campbell, Bauress, Balogun (Savage 68), McDermott, Westley, Tweedy (Ryan 46), Socoliche (Pimlott 68)

Unused Substitutes: Edwards

AFC Bournemouth: McKenna, Akinmboni (Mottoh 64), Harris, Winterburn, William, Kinsey, Clarke (Dacosta Gonzalez 77), Sadi (Williams 84), Adu-Adjei (Stuttle 77), Silcott-Duberry, Rees-Dottin

Unused Substitutes: Allan

Goals: Bauress 3’, McDermott OG 7’, Clarke 33’, Rees-Dottin 47’, Adu-Adjei 62’, McDermott 87’, Westley 90+4’