U23s REACTION: Stone Rues Missed Chance

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Boss disappointed with performance as fightback may be too little, too late

2021-04-12T19:31:22.956Z

U23s REACTION: Stone Rues Missed Chance

Boss disappointed with performance as fightback may be too little, too late

2021-04-12T19:31:22.956Z

Big Royals' appointment for Clarets in bid to keep play-off hopes alive

Steve Stone was disappointed to see his side let another opportunity to cement a play-off place pass them by as they dropped points against Norwich City.

The Clarets’ promotion hopes in PL2 aren’t over with two games to go.

But they slipped to fourth place in the Second Division table after needing to come from 2-0 down in the second half to earn a point at the Tameside Stadium.

Lewis Richardson and Dara Costelloe got the goals in a late fightback, but Stone felt his side shouldn’t have left themselves so much to do.

“It was poor from all aspects the way we started the game,” said the U23s’ boss.

U23s REACTION: Stone Rues Missed Chance - Image 1

“We are a football club that relies heavily on all qualities; mentally, physically tactically, technically and most of those were missing.

“That's not just what you are expecting from Premier League footballers, but what you're expecting from development players coming through. That was nowhere near what we expected.

“We were 2-0 down at half-time from goals as bad as I've seen at this level.

“There were too many watching and waiting for things to happen instead of grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck.

“You've got to try and make it happen yourself and not wait for someone else.”

U23s REACTION: Stone Rues Missed Chance - Image 2

The Clarets dominated after half-time as they battled to get back into the game, with Richardson finally getting the goal he deserved after threatening all afternoon and teenager Costelloe scoring his first goal for the Under-23s to make it 2-2.

But Burnley’s margin for error is rapidly shrinking and they may now need two wins to stay in the top-five and the play-off places from their final two games at Reading on Friday and then champions-elect Leeds.

“It's easy when you're 2-0 down. You have to play at 0-0. Good teams play at 0-0 and go and dominate games and ask questions,” added Stone.

Clarets aim to ensure trip to champions isn't end of the road

“For me, that's the most disappointing performance I've seen this season, especially when they know they've got to win and got to deliver.

“It was either you need to win or you're probably going to start sliding out of the play-offs.

“That was the challenge that was there and since I've set them that challenge and put some pressure on them they've lost to Sunderland and drawn with Norwich.

“Every team you play against, no matter who the opposition is, is a professional football team. The key is in the title.

“It's professional and we didn't cope with that today. We weren't professional and didn't do what we should have done as professional footballers because that is their job. They've got to understand that it isn't part-time.”