Fantastic finale to youths' season

Last updated : 27 April 2003 By Peter Heywood

The Clarets fielded two trialists, Joe Booth and Alex Taylor, and it was the latter who was the star of the show, hitting a fine hat trick, including one tremendous twenty-yard strike.

Once more, injuries and first team commitments meant that Pash was obliged to select possibly his youngest side yet with several schoolboys in the starting line up. So Burnley, in 4-4-2, lined up:

Michael Hale; Danny Pitham, Neal Trotman, Ryan Townsend (Paul Scott 46), James Heywood; Joe Booth (Robert Grimes 67), Ross Preston, Darrell Avery, Marc Pugh; Alex Taylor, Rhys Carpenter. Subs not used: James Salisbury, Tom Ince.

Oldham arrived having been beaten only once in their eight Merit League games, and included several players with lots of experience at this level. Divisional top scorer Carlos Roca was rested for the match however, but did make a substitute appearance late on.

The first thirty minutes were evenly contested, with both sides playing some neat, constructive football. Oldham’s prolific attack was being well contained by the defence with Trotman and Townsend once again in fine form. Pugh and Booth were working the wings to good effect, and gradually Burnley began to gain the upper hand.

The deadlock was broken in spectacular style in the 35th minute. Pughie, receiving the ball out on the left, cut inside and unleashed a right-foot shot of such power that it nearly burst the net. The goalie can count himself lucky that he didn’t manage to get a hand to it!

Shortly afterwards, in a rare Oldham chance, Michael Hale made an excellent double save to keep the Clarets in front.

Right on halftime the Clarets doubled their lead. Alex Taylor, in almost a replay of Pughie’s goal, hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the area to leave the champions-elect stunned.

Pash decided to remove Ryan at the interval, saving him for the two reserve games next week. Scotty came on at left back, James Heywood moved across to his more accustomed right back position, and Danny Pitham moved inside to partner Neal Trotman.

The Oldham players had presumably received a ticking off from coaches Lee Duxbury and John Sheridan, for they immediately launched into attack and pulled a goal back in the 48th minute. Hale pulled off another good save from the dangerous midfielder Ashley Winn as the Latics began to show some of the form that has won them the title.

But the Clarets defence stood firm, and with Preston and Avery taking every opportunity to get forward Burnley once again began to threaten the Oldham goal.

After 59 minutes the Clarets went 3-1 up. A Heywood throw found its way through to Taylor with his back to goal. Turning quickly he beat his man and slotted the ball past the goalie at the near post for a fine striker’s goal. Ten minutes later and young Alex was celebrating a hat trick as he fired home from close range.

Oldham responded immediately through Winn, their outstanding player, who scored with a good shot from the edge of the area for 4-2.

Both sides continued to play attractive, attacking football, much to the enjoyment and appreciation of the watching fans, and it was clear that the scoring was not yet at an end.

Sure enough the Clarets made it five in the 85th minute. This time it was Scotty from the spot, after an Oldham defender had clearly handled.

Still the Latics weren’t finished, and within two minutes it was 5-3. Hale again made two good saves, but an Oldham forward, following up was able to score from a tight angle for the final action of the game, and indeed the season.

Both teams left the field to generous applause following an excellent display. Burnley Football Club has several exceptional prospects coming through the youth system, and coach Terry Pashley must be licking his lips at the prospect of working with these lads over the twelve months ahead.

Well done then to all the lads involved this season. It hasn’t been easy with postponements and long-term injuries to several players, but whoever has been called upon to don the shirt has without fail done the club proud. The attitude and behaviour of the lads has been exemplary throughout the season, and it has been a pleasure to be able to report on their efforts.

Up The Clarets, and here’s to season 2003-4!

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