U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 2 - 1 ASTON VILLA

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Clarets keep their play-off hopes alive with key win in final home game

2022-04-26T13:24:53.735Z

U23s REPORT: BURNLEY 2 - 1 ASTON VILLA

Clarets keep their play-off hopes alive with key win in final home game

2022-04-26T13:24:53.735Z

Clarets keep their play-off hopes alive with key win in final home game

Burnley made it six wins out of seven in all competitions with a superb 2-1 comeback win over Aston Villa at the County Ground Leyland on Monday night.

Defender Dan Sassi was the hero with his first goal at U23 level, after Dara Costelloe had equalised, after Travis Patterson had given the visitors the lead.

Taking charge of the side, U23s assistant Andy Farrell made two changes to the starting eleven from Friday’s goalless draw away at Stoke City.

Having spent the last week with the first team, striker Dara Costelloe returned to lead the line while Lukas Jensen took his place in goal as Sam Waller dropped to the bench alongside Joe McGlynn. Joel Connolly meanwhile missed out on a place in the squad.

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Aston Villa named a strong side with Bradley Young leading the line. Skipper Hayden Lindley was part of the Midlands’ side that won the FA Youth Cup last season.

First Half

In the fourth minute Burnley had a penalty shout when Max Thompson appeared to be pushed in the box. Almost immediately the youngster was involved in the action again. He beat goalkeeper Oliwier Zych to a through ball but his effort was cleared off the line by Villa’s Frankie Ealing.

Against the run of play Villa took the lead after ten minutes. Travis Patterson latched on to a through ball and the England youth international beat Lukas Jensen from close range.

Burnley were level in the 18th minute, as Ne-Jai Tucker’s free kick was flicked on by Richard Nartey for Dara Costelloe’s to hit home on the half volley.

The young Clarets should have taken the lead after 29 minutes when Owen Dodgson’s low cross was touched wide by Thompson.

Right back Finn Armstrong hit the post with a snap shot from the edge of the area. The Polish stopper had just made a fine save to deny Tucker.

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Second Half

Burnley made a change at half time with Scottish youth international Joe McGlynn replacing Costelloe. The former Galway United forward has been in recent first-team squads.

Five minutes into the second half Anthony Gomez Mancini went close with a left-foot shot that just missed the target. Ben Woods was heavily involved in the build up.

The Clarets took the lead just before the hour mark. Dodgson’s right-wing corner was powerfully headed home by Dan Sassi for his first goal at U23 level.

Jensen made a superb diving save to deny Indiana Vassilev in the 78th minute. The American, who has played for Villa in the Premier League, looked likely to score with his header but the big Dane pulled off an acrobatic stop to his left-hand side.

Young looked certain to equalise in the 90th minute but an alert Jensen blocked his effort with his body as Burnley held out for the three points.

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The youngsters are up to sixth in the table, level with on points with Nottingham Forest and Norwich City going into the last weekend. Burnley’s last game is away to champions Fulham on Friday, April 29, at Fulham’s training ground (7:00pm).

Burnley: Jensen, Dodgson, Nartey, Sassi, Armstrong, Tucker, Woods, Helm © (Unwin 66), Thompson, Gomez Mancini, Costelloe (McGlynn HT)

Unused Subs: Waller, Rooney, Ward

Aston Villa: Zych, Ealing, Swinkels, Smith, Bridge, Patterson, Lindley ©, Vassilev, Frith, B Young, Afoka (Rowe 62)

Unused Subs: Wright, Munroe, Alcock

Goals: Patterson (10), Costelloe (18), Sassi (59)