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The Crown Ground has been further developed since our last visit, and the Main Stand is now complete. Unfortunately however, it does assume an average height of approximately 5’2" so legroom is somewhat less than generous. Stanley are clearly gearing themselves for a promotion to the Conference this season, and the presence of several players with Football League experience, and the continuing ground development schemes bear witness to this.
The Clarets fielded both Ian Cox and Gordon Armstrong in their starting line-up, both recovering from injury. Less fortunate were Anthony Shandran (shin in splints), Liam Eves (head wound) and Matthew O’Neill (groin injury). Former reserve team goalie Craig Mawson was also present in the crowd as an interested observer.
Burnley, in 4-4-2: James Salisbury; Andrew Leeson, Earl Davis, Ian Cox (Gary Carter 75), Gordon Armstrong (Steven Richardson 64); Mark Rasmussen (Richard Chaplow 17), Joel Pilkington, Andrew Waine, Paul Scott; Damien Hindle, Robert Grimes (Danny Pitham 73). Sub not used: Sean Blakey.
Both teams lined up in their new away strips, with Burnley looking particularly smart in their two-tone blue number. The Clarets started brightly, and were moving the ball around well without really threatening Stanley’s goal. The first incident of note however, was to be important. Rasmussen went in to block a clearance and suffered what looked like a twisted knee. He hobbled on for a further ten minutes before being replaced by Chaplow in the 17th minute.
Within a minute Stanley were in front. A deep right-wing cross found Robinson totally unmarked and he headed home easily past a somewhat static Salisbury. Burnley struggled to find any kind of rhythm from then on as Stanley began to dominate possession, with Shuttleworth in particular creating problems down the left. Earl and Coxy were required to work overtime to keep the lively home side out, with Lutel James looking sharp, and the first half ended with the Clarets having failed to mount a serious attempt on goal.
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Credit must be paid here to young Damien Hindle who put in a tireless and determined performance up front, deservedly receiving praise from the Supremo. He was a constant thorn in the side of the Stanley defence, and continues to impress with each successive appearance. Unfortunately, this was not enough to satisfy some Burnley Boneheads sitting near me who seemed to take pleasure in hurling abuse at the youngster for "not f******’ trying". First Tw*t of the Week, Tony?
Stanley made it 2-0 right on the whistle, having seemingly just had a good goal ruled out. Burnley failed to clear a corner, and when the ball was played back in it seemed like the entire team was waiting at the far post to nod in.
So a somewhat disappointing performance in a poor game. Although generally sound in defence, the midfield never had control after Rasmussen’s exit. Both Cox and Armstrong seemed to come through unscathed, but with a limping Ras added to the injury list the Reserves/Youths are beginning to look a little stretched.
So to Padiham on Thursday where the youth team will get another run-out. Try to get along if you can to cheer the lads on.