Another enjoyable night at the reserves

Last updated : 13 December 2010 By Tony Scholes
Alex-Ray Harvey
Alex-Ray Harvey got his first goal of the season
Two second half goals, from Dominic Knowles and Alex-Ray Harvey, the first of the season for Harvey, were enough to beat a Tranmere side who we totally dominated after the break and there was never any real question as to where the points were going.

We probably weren't quite at our best in the first half but were still the better side and with any luck might have had the lead. We had a couple of chances and also came close with two long range efforts.

Ross Wilson came closest. It was excellent play down the right between him and fellow youth team player Curtis Woods. Full back Woods played him in but Wilson's shot from the right hit the side netting.

With half time looming there looked a clear shout for a penalty after a ball had been played in by Chris Anderson but the glove wearing referee was having none of it.

However, we got the second half underway with an early goal and never looked back. It all started with goalkeeper Craig Mawson who threw the ball out to Knowles. He found Harvey who in turn got it wide to Ed Williams. Alex MacDonald got on the end of his cross but when his header was blocked it was Knowles who came in to finish, hammering the ball home.

Now we started to play the football we've become accustomed to all season and in truth it was a surprise that we only added one more goal. It came from Harvey but it looked to take a big deflection which left the visiting goalkeeper with little chance of keeping it out.

Between the two goals, former Claret Alan Mahon, returning from injury, was substituted. He'd had little impact on the game but really appreciated the warm reception he received from the home fans in the Bob Lord Stand.

It's been a good first half of the season for our newly formed development squad and the more you see of them the more you believe we have players there who can make the step up to first team level.

It's not just the results though, it is the way they play. If you've not watched the reserves this season and you get the chance in 2011 then take that chance. You won't be disappointed.

The teams were;

Burnley: Craig Mawson, Curtis Woods, Nik Kudiersky, Chris Lynch, Ed Williams (Dean Overson 81), Ross Wilson, Chris Anderson, Alex-Ray Harvey, Tommy Taylor (Joe Jackson 74), Dominic Knowles, Alex MacDonald. Subs not used: Josh Cook, Steve Edwards, Neil Yadolahi, Dave Lynch, Joe McKee.

Tranmere: Joe Collister, Tim Cathalina, Liam Benson, Marlon Broomes, Nick Wood, Ryan Fraughan, Jack Mackreth, Conor Roberts (Will Vaulks 79), Sammy Morrow, Adam McGurk, Alan Mahon (David McNamara 64). Subs: Courtney, Steve Wainright.