U23s REPORT: FULHAM 5

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U23s REPORT: FULHAM 5 - 3 BURNLEY

Clarets miss out on play-off spot on goal difference at Fulham

2022-04-29T14:45:00.000Z

U23s REPORT: FULHAM 5 - 3 BURNLEY

Clarets miss out on play-off spot on goal difference at Fulham

2022-04-29T14:45:00.000Z

Clarets miss out on play-off spot on goal difference at Fulham

In a game full of incident and excitement the Clarets led three times before the Premier League 2 Division 2 champions Fulham ran out 5-3 winners.

Joe McGlynn scored twice with Max Thompson also finding the net but young midfielder Luke Harris stole the show with four stunning goals.

Taking charge of the side, U23s assistant Andy Farrell fielded the side that started the second half in Monday’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Scottish youth international McGlynn started the game with Dara Costelloe training with the first team.

Fulham had already won the Premier League 2 Division 2 title. Former Huddersfield Town defender and Dutch international Terence Kongolo featured in the Cottagers’ side.

U23s PREVIEW: BURNLEY V LIVERPOOL - Image 1

First Half

Burnley took the lead six minutes into the game, as McGlynn latched on to a through ball and lifted his shot over Alex Borto for a clinical finish.

Fulham’s first chance of the game came in the 32nd minute when defender Idris Odutayo headed wide from eight yards.

The Cottages equalised four minutes later when Harris volleyed home Luciano D’Auria-Henry’s precise right-wing cross.

Farrell’s side had a big penalty shout seven minutes before half time when McGlynn appeared to be pulled down in the 18-yard box.

In the dying seconds of the half, the impressive Sonny Hilton had his effort well blocked by Owen Dodgson.

After 45 minutes the young Clarets were still very much in the play-off hunt.

U23s REPORT: FULHAM 5 - 3 BURNLEY - Image 2

Second Half

Thompson restored Burnley’s lead three minutes after the restart. Ne-Jai Tucker’s volley was too strong for keeper Borto to handle with Thompson on hand to prod the ball home.

Fulham equalised again in the 52nd minute. The Londoners had two corners in quick succession with Harris heading home from the second delivery.

There was an immediate response from Burnley with Thompson releasing McGlynn to fire home his second of the game.

It was all square again after 64 minutes when Jersey-born Harris grabbed his hat-trick with a fine finish from Ollie O’Neill’s far-post knock down.

There was a big blow for Burnley when ex-Chelsea defender Richard Nartey fell awkwardly deep in his own half and had to be helped off.

Harris made it 4-3 after 73 minutes with another header from Ziyad Larkece’s cross.

Ben Woods came agonisingly close to an equaliser after 79 minutes when his left-foot drive rattled the post with the home keeper beaten.

Moments later the champions sealed the win when Odutayo fired home with ten minutes left.

Ultimately the night ended in disappointment but for long periods in the game Burnley looked set to seal a play-off berth. Harris’ fantastic night spoiled Burnley’s chances with the young Clarets missing out on the top five through goal difference.

Burnley: Jensen, Armstrong, Nartey (Rooney 71), Sassi, Dodgson: Gomez Mancini (Hugill 61) Helm © (Ward 76), Woods, Thompson, McGlynn

Unused Subs: Thomas, Ratchford.

Fulham: Borto: D’Auria-Henry, Kongolo, Odutayo, Larkece (Robinson 71), Stansfield, O’Neill: Dibley-Dias (Page 88), Hilton ©, Pajaziti: Stansfield.

Unused Subs: Allen, Godo, Bowat.

Goals: McGlynn (6 & 53), Harris (36, 52, 64 & 73), Thompson 48, Odutayo (80).