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The pattern this season seems to have been that the youngsters have faired better on a Saturday when there has been no reserve team game in midweek and this was again the case although it was the Clarets who started the better team.
Our hosts though finally got on top and by half time we were two goals behind and it could have been even worse but for a magnificent goal line clearance from the outstanding Ryan Townsend. In fact the Clarets’ central defender injured himself making the clearance and was off the field for a few minutes receiving treatment.
Coach Terry Pashley was not happy with the performance and made it known to the players during the first half. And at half time, whilst team talks usually take place on the pitch, he marched them off for dressing down within the confines of the dressing room.
It did appear to have had an effect and we got ourselves back into the game. Neal Trotman got the first and the equaliser was scored by one of the centre of excellence youngsters and at that stage it looked as though Burnley might go onto win the game.
That was until The Spireites came storming back and won two penalties although it has to be said that one of them was a very dubious decision indeed whilst the other could well have seen Townsend collect a second yellow card.
The pitch at the University was obviously better than that later in the day in Turkey and on neither occasion did the ground give away as the penalty taker was about to striker the ball. Keeper Michael Hale was unlucky and got a hand to both spot kicks although couldn’t prevent either from going in.
By the end the Clarets were well beaten and with the cup changed this season to a straight knock out we are now left to concentrate on the league with a visit to cash strapped Oldham next Saturday.
Last season coach Pashley admitted that for those youngsters who were playing reserve team games it was a strain and there were times when he left them out. This season more of the youth players are playing even more reserve team games and again that was seen on Saturday with the Chesterfield players so much fresher.
Burnley’s Fixtures and Results