U23s REPORT: BOLTON WANDERERS 1

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

U23s REPORT: BOLTON WANDERERS 1 - 4 BURNLEY

Barnes stars as Clarets head into knockouts of Central League Cup after win at Bolton

2022-02-03T17:13:01.552Z

U23s REPORT: BOLTON WANDERERS 1 - 4 BURNLEY

Barnes stars as Clarets head into knockouts of Central League Cup after win at Bolton

2022-02-03T17:13:01.552Z

Barnes stars as Clarets head into knockouts of Central League Cup after win at Bolton

Ashley Barnes played the first half and scored as Burnley’s U23s ran out 4-1 winners away at Bolton to progress into the knockout rounds of the Central League Cup.

Michael Mellon and Joe McGlynn (2) were also on the scoresheet as the Clarets sealed a 100%-record in the group-stages of the competition this season having already beaten both Rochdale & Accrington Stanley.

Played at the Wanderers’ training ground, neither side were able to create any clear-cut chances early on, though Irishman Dara Costelloe fired narrowly wide for Burnley after some good work by Owen Dodgson pressing high up the pitch.

Max Conway then went close at the other end, but Clarets’ goalkeeper – and former Bolton loanee – Lukas Jensen tipped his effort behind for a corner which was dealt with easily.

In a half of few chances, defender Richard Nartey cleared an effort from Mitchell Henry off the line, but before the interval striker Barnes would show his clinical edge to fire Burnley in front.

Ne-Jai Tucker whipped a corner in from the left, and Barnes – playing his first minutes in his comeback from an injury – headed home at the back post.

At the start of the second half, he exited the action with McGlynn and Mellon both coming on. The latter came close to doubling the Clarets’ lead on two occasions before frontman McGlynn did just that in style.

Facing away from goal, McGlynn showed a poacher’s instinct to flick Dodgson’s low cross into the back of the net using his heel and was congratulated by his teammates for doing so.

And just a few minutes later, having scored on Monday in the same competition against Accrington, Mellon got in on the act to net his second of the week. Having been slipped through on goal, the striker finished calmly past onrushing Bolton goalkeeper Joel Dixon.

Barnes last featured for Sean Dyche's men in October

The hosts did pull a goal back through Max Conway late on, before Burnley had the last say on proceedings with McGlynn netting his second of the afternoon. Taking the ball well inside the area, the 19-year-old showed nice feet and made himself space to rifle home.

With three wins from three in the round-robin style group, Michael Jackson’s side topped the Group A table and will now progress through into the knockout rounds of the competition.

Post-match, striker Barnes was delighted to have played his first minutes since late October and is concentrating on getting back to full fitness.

He said: “I couldn’t have asked for more from the game to be honest. Obviously, the main thing was just to get the minutes back in my legs, but to score as well was a nice feeling.

“I just want to get back up to full speed as quickly and as safely as possible. I’m taking it day-by-day, but I started back in training last week and I’m feeling fitter and stronger which is a good thing.

“I’m eager to go, eager to try and get back with the first team and to help the squad out. There’s a real fight for places now that we have players coming back and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

With the Clarets for over eight years, Barnes also touched on how he’s enjoying the chance to help the club’s young talent.

He said: “It’s a learning curve for us all, including me, because it’s getting used to playing together. Some have already trained – and played – for the first team so it’s good to get connections going with them.”

Michael Jackson’s side are next in action on Monday night – February 7 – when Premier League 2, Division 2 action returns with the visit of Newcastle United to the County Ground in Leyland.

Scheduled for a 7PM Kick-Off, and as with all of the U23s matches this season, that one will be covered live on Twitter via @ClaretsAcademy.

Burnley: Jensen, Cropper (McGlynn HT), Armstrong (K. Williams 79’), Ward, Rooney, Nartey (H. Williams 77’), Tucker, Helm, Costelloe, Barnes (Mellon HT), Dodgson

Subs: Casper

Bolton: Dixon, Tweedley, Conway, Gordon, Halford, Baptiste (Burgess 63’), Pettifer, Thomason (Frimpong 77’), Olawumi, Amaechi (Fitzmartin 64’), Henry (Jones 73’)

Subs: Hutchinson