U21S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 2-2 BURNLEY

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Positive performance earns young Clarets a point

2024-05-03T15:00:00.000Z

U21S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 2-2 BURNLEY

Positive performance earns young Clarets a point

2024-05-03T15:00:00.000Z

Positive performance earns young Clarets a point

Ackeme Francis-Burrell and Joe Westley were on target as a makeshift Burnley U21s side played out a two all draw with Watford on Friday afternoon.

The former opened the scoring at a wet Vicarage Road and after Watford hit back, Westley marked his first start since returning from his loan spell at AFC Fylde with a poacher’s finish.

The young Clarets were unable to hold out for the three Professional Development League points, however, with the Hornets equalising for a second time with 20 minutes to play.

There were several changes to the side that started against Bristol City last time out, with injuries to regular starters affecting the group.

Bradley Grant and Alex Healy Byrne returned to the defence with Basilio Socoliche, Francis-Burrell, Renaldo Torraj and Westley also given starting berths.

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

Burnley started brightly and opened the scoring after 12 minutes as Francis-Burrell headed in a pinpoint Socoliche cross for his second Clarets goal.

Watford were level five minutes later through Michael Adu-Poku, who bundled the ball in after a goalmouth scramble.

The only other first-half action of note saw Lewis Richardson, who captained the Clarets on the day, produce a moment of brilliance to bounce an effort off the bar from all of 40 yards.

Burnley played some excellent football in the second half and Westley produced a great header for a deserved lead in the 55th minute.

The U21s continued to control the game and created good chances and after big appeals for a Burnley penalty were waved away, Watford equalised for a second time against the run of play.

U21S MATCH REPORT: WATFORD 2-2 BURNLEY - Image 2

That didn’t deter the team and they created two good chances late on that Watford were able to keep out of the net.

After the game, Academy Manager David Longwell said: “The amount of games the lads have had lately has taken its toll.

“The players who played today showed a great attitude and at times played some really good stuff, but they just needed more consistency in their play.

“I’ve seen a lot of development in their understanding of the style of play, which is the same as the first team’s.

“With the way we play you have to accept mistakes when they come, but as we look at the long term development model it will be beneficial for the future.

Next up is a trip to Pride Park in the final of the Central league Cup against Derby County on Tuesday 7th May, with kick-off at 7pm.

Burnley: Casper, Healy Byrne, Grant, Trialist A (Trialist B 75), Campbell, Francis-Burrell, Socoliche (Parker 78), McDermott, Westley (Trialist C 61), Richardson (O’Neill 61), Torraj

Unused Subs: Moss

Watford: Ortelli, Gould, Watkiss, Coyne, Clarridge, Abbott, Adu-Poku, Davis, Torres, Trialist, Fraser-Grante

Subs: Browne, Holding, Trialist, Buers, Shevchenko

Goals: Francis-Burrell 10’, Adu-Poku 17’, Westley 55’, Torres 70’