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Terry Pashley was unable to call upon several experienced players for this fixture. Out were third year scholars Matthew O’Neill (first team duties), Damian Hindle, Joel Pilkington, Liam Eves, James Salisbury and Mark Rasmussen (injuries?). Adam Jones (injured), and Paul Scott and Richard Chaplow (illness) were also missing. The good news for Scotty is that he is recovering well, but the highly promising Chappy has glandular fever and may be out for some time. Clarets fans everywhere I’m sure would want to join us in sending our best wishes and hopes for a speedy and full recovery to Richard and his family.
Effectively then, the Clarets line-up (in 3-5-2) was likely to be the same as that for Wednesday night in the FA Youth Cup home tie against Crystal Palace, an under 18 competition:
Michael Hale; Gary Carter (capt.), Neil Trotman, Ryan Townsend (James Heywood 64); Danny Pitham, Stephen Richardson, Sean Blakey, Darrell Avery, Tom Ince; Robert Grimes, Rhys Carpenter (Marc Pugh 60). Subs not used: Evans, McFadden.
The Clarets, playing down the slope and with a bitingly cold wind at their backs, started brightly and dominated the first quarter of the game. Four times in the first fifteen minutes they went close; twice through Sean Blakey shots, once from a Richardson cross cum shot which hit the bar, and once from a fine individual effort from 15 year old Tom Ince who jinked past a couple of defenders, cut inside and hit a shot which beat the goalie but went just the wrong side of the post.
Gradually though, Blackpool began to come into the game with the ever dangerous Matthew Blinkhorn looking impressive. On the right wing Jon Fenech was using his speed and crossing ability to good effect, and his battle with Ince was an absorbing feature of the first half. Both players were taking every opportunity to get forward with young Tom, knee-high to a corner flag and with approximately the same build, showing some delightful touches. In his one and a bit appearances for the youth team, this lad has ably demonstrated that he is one to keep an eye on.
Townsend and Trotman were coping well with the aerial threat posed by Blackpool, so it came as a surprise when Pool took the lead in the 21st minute through this route. A left wing cross was headed on by Blinkhorn to an unmarked Fenech who thrashed the ball home leaving Hale with no chance.
Blackpool went close on a couple of occasions as the Clarets’ midfield struggled to keep possession. Carpenter and Grimes were willing runners up front, but they were given little chance with several through balls which ran away from them. Burnley looked most effective when players were prepared to take on defenders, and Ince and Avery in particular were creating problems for the home defence.
Just before halftime an Avery shot was just wide, and this represented the Clarets’ best effort since the opening spell.
No changes at halftime, but clearly the midfield in particular would have its work cut out to prevent Blackpool from taking advantage of the conditions. They had already shown that they were prepared to shoot from distance, so now playing down the slope they would probably shoot on sight.
The Clarets to their credit worked hard to frustrate the Tangerines, but a moment’s lack of concentration in the 57th minute allowed Fenech space in the box and the winger claimed his second goal of the match.
Marc Pugh, as last week, then replaced Rhys Carpenter up front, and made some powerful runs down the right. 14 year-old James Heywood came on to play on the left side of defence, and acquitted himself well against players some four years his senior.
Burnley pressed forward in an attempt to get back into the game, and after good work from Pugh Robert Grimes went close with a shot across the face of goal. However, the Clarets were always going to be open to the counterattack, and in the last minute the lively Patterson took a cross in his stride and placed the ball firmly past Hale for 3-0.
The scoreline reflected harshly on the young Clarets’ who to their credit kept trying right to the end. But when they were conceding an average of two years age difference per player, this was always going to be a hard challenge. Against Palace on Wednesday, the situation should be more even.
Burnley's Fixtures and Results