U21S MATCH REPORT: ROCHDALE 2-1 BURNLEY

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Young Clarets beaten in National League Cup

2025-08-13T15:18:34.535Z

U21S MATCH REPORT: ROCHDALE 2-1 BURNLEY

Young Clarets beaten in National League Cup

2025-08-13T15:18:34.535Z

Young Clarets beaten in National League Cup

Burnley U21s started their 2025/26 season with a trip to Rochdale in the National League Cup, losing 2-1 after a well-fought battle in the sweltering Greater Manchester heat.

Kian McMahon-Brown was on target for the young Clarets, but Dale’s first team's experience showed as they claimed all three Group A points on Wednesday afternoon.

Andy Farrell’s starting XI included two U18s in Albert Blackie and McMahon-Brown, while Charlie Casper kept goal.

Murray Campbell and captain Joe Ashton provided experience at the heart of the defence, with Adam McCoy and Marley Leuluai holding the fort in front of them.

Dale made a planned change in the first minute and the match started slowly, with both teams taking the time to work each other out.

There were two more switches from the home team during a 23rd-minute water break, and that time off seemed to kick the young Clarets into life.

U21S MATCH REPORT: ROCHDALE 2-1 BURNLEY - Image 1

After Tom Tweedy had a shot blocked behind the Welshman’s corner was met by McMahon-Brown, but his header was comfortable for Myles.

It was goalless at the break but Rochdale came out of the traps quickly, with Casey Pettit smacking the bar shortly before they broke the deadlock in the 56th minute.

After confusion in the Clarets penalty area, Henderson was able to meet Levi Amnatchi’s cross and find the top left corner.

Farrell looked to his bench on the hour with Ryan, Leuluai and Tweedy making way for Vernon Masara, Fabio So and Brandon Pouani respectively.

The equaliser came with 15 minutes to play when after good interplay with Pouani, McMahon-Brown did well to calmly round the Dale ‘keeper and slot home.

Unfortunately parity lasted just three minutes though, and Amnatchi turned goal scorer as he planted a header into the net.

U21S MATCH REPORT: ROCHDALE 2-1 BURNLEY - Image 2

Our final change saw Jack McEvilly replace Jesse Williams and Burnley continued to press forwards in search of a second equaliser.

The best chance fell to young midfielder So, who blazed over after good work to create a shooting opportunity.

Burnley U21s are next in action on Monday 18th August, when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit the County Ground in Leyland in the 2025/26 PL2 season opener.

Kick-off is 7pm and Burnley season ticket holders can attend free of charge.

Burnley: Casper, Blackie, Pimlott, Williams (McEvilly 78), Ashton, Campbell, McMahon-Brown, Leuluai (So 60), Ryan (Masara 60), McCoy, Tweedy (Pouani 60)

Unused Substitutes: Chester

Rochdale: Myles, East (Henderson 1), Hogan, Allarakhia (Gomez-Mancini 60), Amantchi, Pettit, Pritchard (Griffiths 23), McBride (Burger 46), Moss, Humbles, Beckwith (Tutonda 23)

Unused Substitutes: Whatmuff, Edwards