U21S PRE-SEASON CONTINUES AT FLIXTON FC

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Young side edged out in second half

2026-07-18T17:30+01:00

U21S PRE-SEASON CONTINUES AT FLIXTON FC

Young side edged out in second half

2026-07-18T17:30+01:00

Burnley U21s stepped up their preparations for the 2026/27 season with a friendly at Flixton FC on Saturday afternoon.

The Young Clarets were beaten 2-1 at a sun-soaked Valley Road and it was second-year scholar James Lewis who was on target in the second half.

Still without some of his more senior players following their first team exploits in America, Andy Farrell named a mixed starting XI including various age groups.

Jiaming Zhang, one of last week’s goal scorers at Nelson, was partnered up front by Destiny Okonkwo, while Zach Johnson wore the captain’s armband.

Lewis Forshaw made his first appearance in goal following last season’s loan at Worksop Town, and Michael Stanley started at right-back following the announcement of his professional contract.

The young Clarets had the better of the possession in the first half and created chances, with Okonkwo pulling one wide early doors.

Dylan Morison kept probing in centre midfield and Johnson looked threatening throughout, but it remained goalless until two minutes into the second period when Louis Holden headed Flixton in front.

With fitness the overall aim Farrell made 10 changes on the hour. Amongst the new faces were left-back Cameron Scott, midfielder Lewis, and striker Warren Taylor.

Flixton doubled their advantage with 74 on the clock but it was 2-1 eight minutes later.

After Taylor slid Vishon Masara through one-on-one and the latter was fouled, Lewis converted the rebound after his penalty was saved.

Burnley pushed until the very end, but an equaliser wasn’t forthcoming and after the final whistle, Zach Johnson spoke to the club website.

“It was another good hour, and it’s good to get minutes in the legs in pre-season,” he said.

“Being captain against a non-league team and supporting some of the younger players in front of a good crowd is all good experience.

“Pre-season’s starting to ramp up – the training’s getting harder, the games are getting harder.

“We’ve got a two-game week coming up ahead of a trip to Scotland. I went there as a first-year scholar and it’s a good trip.

“I can’t wait to get going in the new season, and we’ll try and show everyone what we’re about.”

Clarets supporters are able to choose between two Academy fixtures to attend on Tuesday 21st July, with an U21s side heading to Padiham and a U18s XI making the trip to Nelson. Both friendlies kick off at 7.45pm.

*Photo credit - Flixton FC/Shots by Maisy