Clarets take points on homecoming

Last updated : 08 September 2010 By Tony Scholes
Jay Rodriguez
Jay Rodriguez - two goals
Going into the game on the back of the 6-0 win against Oldham three weeks ago, it looked as though the second string might be in for another big win when they got on top in the early stages, but in the end they were thankful for the points although they were fully deserved.

Michael Duff captained the side as he got his first action since the opening day of the season against Forest and it was a side that featured five other signings and five players who have graduated from the youth system at Burnley over the last few years.

One of those five graduates, Jay Rodriguez, had a good night and he was nearly on the scoresheet in the first twenty seconds, only to see his effort ruled out for offside in what must have been a very close call.

He didn't have to wait much longer though to get his second reserve goal of the season. In just the eighth minute he got on the end of a King corner to head home powerfully and at that point we really were expecting a big score.

The second goal didn't come in the early part of the game and that is when it really should have been won. It got somewhat scrappy with neither side offering too much, but the visitors did come close to an equaliser just before the break, but Rory Boulding, who scored in their League Two draw against Wycombe on Saturday, missed the target.

If he missed the target, then Luke Joyce most certainly didn't early in the second half and his strike saw them draw level. From some five yards or more outside the penalty box on the left hand side he hit a shot into the net that left Lee Grant, who hadn't had too much to do previously, with no chance of keeping it out.

And having equalised they nearly got themselves in front as they got clear again in their very next attack. This time we were thankful to Richard Eckersley who did so well to get back to end the danger.

But a couple of minutes after that there was no one to rescue Accrington as Burnley went back in front. Kevin McDonald and Alex-Ray Harvey both did well and it was the latter who played the ball through for Jay Rod and the striker made no mistake with a good finish, his right foot shot going into the bottom corner.

With that we found our feet again and had a good spell on top which brought with it a third goal and it came via some magical football from Brian Easton. We could have mistaken Big Sheena for Cristiano Ronaldo as he weaved his way in from the left hand side.

When he played the ball in it eventually found King who hit a left footer into the corner for his first reserve goal since he hit a hat trick against Blackpool in April 2009.

It was Burnley's game now although Accrington did create one or two openings. They didn't really trouble Grant and the closes we came to another goal was from Eckersley who, having made a surging run down the right, got on the end of a return pass but saw his effort blocked by the keeper.

All in all it was a mixed night. We started well and had a good spell in the second half, but there were times during the game when we lost our way a bit. But it was another win, and we are next in action in two weeks time when we play Tranmere Rovers at Cammel Laird.

The teams tonight were;

Burnley: Lee Grant, Richard Eckersley, Michael Duff, Kevin Long, Brian Easton, Alex MacDonald (Chris Anderson 66), Kevin McDonald, Alex-Ray Harvey, Michael King, Wes Fletcher (Joe Jackson 76), Jay Rodriguez (Dominic Knowles 61). Subs not used: Ben Woodhead, Ed Williams, Joe McKee.

Accrington: Alex Cisak, Leam Richardson, Michael Hall, Peter Murphy, Thomas Smyth, Andrew Owens, Chris Turner, Luke Joyce, Rory Boulding, Bradley Hudson Odoi, Alan Burton. Subs: Josh O'Connell, Jordan Rimmer, Jamie Larner, Matthew Lawler, Jonathan Evans, Connor Hobson.

Attendance: 566.