U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 ACCRINGTON STANLEY

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Mellon’s sublime strike wins Central League Cup game

2022-01-31T10:00:00.000Z

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 1-0 ACCRINGTON STANLEY

Mellon’s sublime strike wins Central League Cup game

2022-01-31T10:00:00.000Z

Mellon’s sublime strike wins Central League Cup game

Michael Mellon’s 57th minute strike won the Central League Cup group game for the young Clarets. In difficult conditions, Michael Jackson’s side defended well to beat a strong Accrington Stanley side 1-0.

Jackson went with a young starting eleven, as the Clarets featured an all-teenage side with the exception of captain Mark Helm.

Stanley had the better of the first half with Lewis Thomas making an excellent save to deny Liam Coyle. The midfielder looked certain to score but Thomas moved to his right to claw the ball away.

Four minutes later, Thomas saved well to stop Jack Nolan’s curling free-kick. The former Manchester City youth had a fine game in Burnley’s goal.

Mellon went close just before half-time. Finn Armstrong, Will Hugill and Owen Dodgson were all involved In Burnley’s best move of the first 45 minutes. Mellon created space to get his shot away but it was comfortably saved by Blackburn-born goalkeeper Liam Isherwood.

Burnley took the lead 12 minutes into the second half. Dodgson found Ne-Jai Tucker with an excellent cross-field pass. Tucker fed Mellon who found the top corner with a sublime finish.

Clarets take on ‘Posh’ in must-win final Premier League Cup group stage contest.

The Clarets thought they should have had a penalty halfway through the second half. In a swirling win, Dara Costelloe won his header in the opposing box before colliding with the keeper. The referee gave the decision against the young Irishman.

The visitors had two chances in injury-time to draw level. Substitute Josh Woods headed straight at Thomas with the goal at his mercy after a fine cross from former West Ham United junior Rosaire Longalo.

In the dying seconds Coyle couldn't find the target from a free-kick delivery from the right. It was a nervy finish but Burnley held on well for a hard-earned victory.

Burnley: Thomas, Armstrong (Rooney), Sassi, Ward, McCullough: Tucker (Etaluku) Helm, Hugill (H.Williams), Dodgson (Ratchford): Costelloe, Mellon.

Not used: Jensen.

Accrington Stanley: Isherwood: Perritt, Rodgers, Proctor: Patrick (Woods), Morgan, Conneely (Martin), Coyle, Nolan: Longalo, Mansell (Spinelli).

Not used: Stowe, Doherty.