U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Connor Roberts features as Clarets draw with Blues

2022-01-10T21:31:44.004Z

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY

Connor Roberts features as Clarets draw with Blues

2022-01-10T21:31:44.004Z

Connor Roberts features as Clarets draw with Blues

Connor Roberts played 60 minutes for the Clarets’ U23s as a late equaliser denied them all three points against Birmingham City in a 1-1 draw.

Dara Costelloe opened the scoring for Burnley prior to the interval, but an unfortunate own goal five minutes from time saw honours even come full-time.

The Clarets dominated much of the first half and were unlucky not to be ahead within the first 15 minutes at the County Ground with three separate players going close.

Defender Harry Williams rose highest to meet a corner, heading wide, before Sean Etaluku tried to capitalise on a mixup at the back by Birmingham but had an effort saved at close range by goalkeeper Archie Matthews.

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 1

Costelloe also had a shot saved from distance before Welsh international Roberts was called into action at the other end to head a deflected effort off the line in Birmingham’s first attack of the contest.

Midfielder Mark Helm then tried his luck from range and Ne-Jai Tucker fired narrowly wide on the turn inside the visitors’ box before Irishman Costelloe eventually put Michael Jackson’s side ahead three minutes before the break.

The 19-year-old drove into the area and calmly slotted past ‘keeper Matthews, with strike partner Joe McGlynn bringing a good save from the Birmingham number one in an identical position less than a minute later.

Early in the second half, Roberts picked up the rebound from a deflected Tucker free-kick and drove a powerful effort at goal with Matthews saving down low.

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 2

The defender was replaced by Finn Armstrong on the hour-mark, after which chances came at a premium at both ends.

Former Manchester United man Helm picked up a loose pass in midfield and surged forward but could only guide his strike over the bar, before the visitors enjoyed a spell in the ascendancy without testing Burnley ‘keeper Sam Waller.

A regular feature in the U23s side this season, Waller did well to tip a header around the post from Birmingham’s Leo Dos Reiss with 10 minutes remaining though with the effort heading for the top corner.

He was unable to keep out the equaliser, which came in cruel fashion with five minutes remaining, however. Oriel Soldevila took aim at goal and had an effort saved by Waller, but the ball deflected back off a Clarets’ defender and into the back of the net.

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 3

Either side could’ve won it in the closing stages with Will Hugill on off the bench for Burnley having a shot blocked behind by Matthews and Waller being brought into action in the last minute of three added on.

Michael Jackson’s side are next in action on Monday, January 17 when they face a trip to Kidderminster to face Wolves away from home at the Aggborough stadium.

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 4

BURNLEY: Waller, Roberts (Armstrong 60), Rooney, H Williams, Dodgson, Tucker (Hugill 86), Helm, Coppack, Etaluku (Ratchford 90), Costelloe, McGlynn.

Subs: L Thomas, Sassi.

Post-match in Leyland, U23s assistant manager Andy Farrell reflected on a positive performance overall.

He said: “We had opportunities, especially in the second half, and worked it really well around their box after being successful with our pressing.

“The game should’ve been dead and buried by midway through the second half really but there’s a lot of positives that we can take from tonight.

“If we put our chances away, then we come away with three or four goals and win the game but development is definitely there and we’re moving forward as a group which is important.”

A former Clarets’ defender himself, Farrell also touched on the individual performance of Roberts.

He said: “I thought that Connor did well overall. He got forward, put balls into the box and then at the other end his defending was excellent with some good recovery runs.

“Another 60 minutes on the clock for him can only be a good thing and he might be involved with us again next week.”