The Clarets started the game poorly, possibly still with the final Alliance League game in the backs of their mind. The Oldham side are a physical bunch and during the opening exchanges out muscled
Within the first few minutes they had hit the Clarets woodwork, although this chance only came about due to a clear offside, missed by the linesman (who did look younger than the players).
Joe Booth, energetic in the middle of the park, spurred his team-mates on after this setback and it was him who immediately levelled things, latching onto a ball from Tom Ince close to the edge of the box and slamming it in past the keeper.
The second half was a battle, as the pitch continued to take its toll, sapping strength and speed from both sets of players. The referee seemed to have no real idea what he was doing, giving free kicks to whomever asked him and Oldham seemed to have a side filled with lads who felt they should be the one with the whistle. They were the ones dealing out the most physical punishment however, as Tom Ince was kicked off the park and replaced by Chris McCann.
The young Clarets were often guilty of overplaying, arriving in good areas but not finding the killer ball. They will however be glad of the improvement they have made since their last meeting with the Latics.
The Burnley team was: Mark Crossley,
Youth team fixtures