U21S MATCH REPORT: FULHAM 3-1 BURNLEY

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Young Clarets leave capital empty handed

2026-02-27T22:25:07.435Z

U21S MATCH REPORT: FULHAM 3-1 BURNLEY

Young Clarets leave capital empty handed

2026-02-27T22:25:07.435Z

Young Clarets leave capital empty handed

Burnley U21s’ unbeaten run came to an end on Friday night, losing 3-1 to Fulham at Motspur Park in Premier League 2.

Zach Johnson scored for the second game running but it wasn’t enough to earn a result, with the Whites adding a second-half strike to two before the break.

There were three changes from the side that drew with Derby County earlier this week, with Oisin Cooney replacing Charlie Casper in goal.

Roman-Egan Riley stepped into the defence, while Brandon Pouani took his place in midfield behind a front three of Vernon Masara, Kian McMahon-Brown and Johnson.

U21S MATCH REPORT: FULHAM 3-1 BURNLEY - Image 1

Fulham had the better of the early running, with Farhaan Ali Wahid shooting wide of the target twice before setting up the opening goal in the 19th minute.

The winger worked a yard of space on the left and crossed for Thomas Olyott to turn a free header past Cooney from six yards.

Andy Farrell’s team responded well and after Masara had an effort deflected into Alfie McNally’s arms, Ellis Clark was centimetres away from connecting with a McMahon-Brown free-kick.

It was 2-0 soon afterwards, though, as the Londoners countered quickly and Jonathan Esenga was on hand to tap in from close-range after a smart save from Cooney.

The young Clarets earned a lifeline on the stroke of half-time when Oli Pimlott’s endeavour earned him a crossing opportunity, and Johnson finished well with his head from three yards.

U21S MATCH REPORT: FULHAM 3-1 BURNLEY - Image 2

Fulham came out of the blocks quickly after the break, with Cooney making stops to deny Macaulay Zepa and Ali Wahid.

Farrell’s first change of the night saw Troy Savage replace Pouani, but Fulham extended their lead through Zepa straight afterwards.

McMahon-Brown later made way for Luca Scanlon, and a further three switches saw Marley Leuluai, Destiny Okonkwo and Cameron Scott take the places of King, Masara, and Johnson respectively.

Burnley never gave up and pushed forward at every opportunity during a 10-minute-long period of stoppage-time.

Pimlott came closest to scoring the fifth goal of the night but couldn’t quite make the right connection in the area.

After 16 league matches our points tally remains at nine, and the team are next in action against Colchester United in the Premier League Cup next week.

Burnley: Cooney, King (Leuluai 84), Pimlott, Egan-Riley, Campbell, Brierley, Johnson (Scott 84), Clark, McMahon-Brown (Scanlon 74), Pouani (Savage 67), Masara (Okonkwo 84)

Fulham: McNally, De Jesus (Tanton 67), Esenga, Amissah, Nsasi (Slade 83), Chingwaro (Gofford, 67), Zepa (Wingate 83), Quashie, Kusi-Asare, Olyott, Ali Wahid

Unused Substitutes: Underwood

Goals: Olyott 19’, Esenga 38’, Johnson 45’, Zepa 71’