U21S MATCH REPORT: SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-2 BURNLEY

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McDermott and Masara on target in Derbyshire

2024-04-05T21:17:17.638Z

U21S MATCH REPORT: SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-2 BURNLEY

McDermott and Masara on target in Derbyshire

2024-04-05T21:17:17.638Z

McDermott and Masara on target in Derbyshire

A youthful Burnley U21s side showcased their resilience as they earned a late point against Sheffield United in the Professional Development League.

Tommy McDermott broke the deadlock for the Clarets but the Blades fought back to lead until substitute Vernon Masara struck with four minutes to play.

With injuries and suspensions affecting his squad, manager Andy Farrell made six changes from the defeat to Hull City earlier this week.

U21s Ackeme Francis-Burrell, Joe Bevan and Mikey O’Neill were all introduced, as were U17s Noah Adekoya and Benji Wetshi.

U18s players Lewis Forshaw and Joe Ashton retained their places in goal and at left back respectively, with Murray Campbell captaining the side.

U21S MATCH REPORT: SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-2 BURNLEY - Image 1

The best chance of an even opening 10 minutes at the SMH Group Stadium in Chesterfield fell to Sheffield United captain Owen Hampson, but he curled his effort wide of the target.

McDermott broke the deadlock with 16 minutes on the clock, reacting quickest after a powerful Tom Tweedy effort from 22 yards had smacked off the bar to tap in.

The hosts continued to probe and 17-year-old Burnley ‘keeper Forshaw produced a strong save low to his right before making a commanding high claim to relieve the pressure.

Joe Bevan fired over and McDermott worked Luke Faxon from a free-kick, but the Clarets were unable to add to their lead before the break.

U21S MATCH REPORT: SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-2 BURNLEY - Image 2

The Blades came out of the second-half traps quickly and hit a post within 40 seconds of the restart before equalising in the 53rd minute.

Ryan One was played through and his shot took a deflection off Adekoya which wrongfooted Forshaw.

Farrell then introduced Masara and Brandon Ly off the bench but United continued to threaten and One hit the same post again just before the hour.

The hosts took the lead with 10 minutes to play as Adekoya was adjudged to have fouled his man in the area and Louie Marsh converted from 12 yards.

However, Burnley didn’t give up and hit back when Tweedy played a fine pass through to Masara, who chopped inside and picked out the bottom left corner.

The result takes the team’s points tally to 35 from 22 matches ahead of next week’s two games against Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic.

Burnley: Forshaw, Trialist, Campbell, Francis-Burrell (Ly 58’), Bevan (Masara 58’), McDermott, Tweedy, O’Neill, Ashton, Adekoya, Wetshi (Socoliche 78’)

Unused Subs: Moss, Parker

Sheffield United: Faxon, Sachdev, Tinsdale, Pitan, Barratt, Tahir, Blacker, Hampson, One, Marsh, Macedo

Subs: Okyere, Hewitson, Aston, Cummings, Francis

Goals: McDermott 16’, One 53’, Marsh 80’, Masara 86’