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Preston, along with Tranmere, are likely to provide the young Clarets with their most difficult opposition once more. Simon Davey’s lads have had a sound pre-season, culminating in an impressive 3-2 away win against KKMC’s U-19 academy team last Saturday. They are a physically strong and extremely well-organised side, and it was clear from the outset that a tough task lay ahead of the Clarets.
Gawthorpe on such a morning is a delight. The scent of new-mown hay, the far-off drone of a distant tractor, the trees gently swaying in the warm breeze, and a pitch in perfect condition; all these combine to present an image as picturesque as any. And lo! See there, where the noble heron takes to languid flight o’er the babbling Calder!
In another two months however it’ll be feet deep in mud.
Burnley (4-4-2): James Salisbury; Danny Pitham, Gary Carter, Liam Eves (capt.), Paul Scott; Mark Rasmussen (Richard Chaplow 64), Joel Pilkington, Sean Blakey, Steven Richardson; Damien Hindle, Matthew O’Neill.
Preston had the better of the early exchanges with their defence dominant. Hindle and O’Neill were finding it difficult to get into the game as possession was too frequently given away by the midfield. Defenders were given few passing opportunities as Preston’s five man midfield closed down their options, and too often the ball was being played long with little success.
However Burnley too were defending well, and the only real threat to either goal was provided by long throw-ins, with Knocker O’Neill proving particularly effective.
Salisbury was the busier of the two goalies and in the 17th minute he was forced to save well from the Preston centre forward. Shortly afterwards Preston should have taken the lead, but again Salisbury was alert to block the effort.
This seemed to spark Burnley into life, and following an excellent break involving Blakey and Scott, Rasmussen shot over. The shaven-headed Ras was close to scoring again in the 39th minute when another O’Neill mortar attack created havoc in the North End goalmouth.
But just as Burnley looked as though they were getting on top Preston scored the game’s only goal in the 42nd minute. Carter ghosted past two Preston forwards in bringing the ball out of defence, but a third blocked his clearance. The ball rebounded kindly into the path of the Preston number 9 and he shot comfortably past the helpless Salty.
Halftime, and a red-faced Terry Pashley could be seen (and heard) berating his troops. In fact, so agitated was he that he knocked over a water bottle, giving rise to fears that the game would be abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch. Fortunately the Gawthorpe turf stood up well to this test, and the game resumed with Burnley in a much more determined mood.
Within five minutes O’Neill shot just wide following trademark trickery down the wing, and a Hindle header was just over from a Rasmussen corner.
Preston were now having to defend in depth as O’Neill in particular started to cause problems with his close control and willingness to take players on. When Chaplow replaced the disappointing Rasmussen after 64 minutes, Knocker switched to the right flank where he produced some exciting runs and crosses.
Pitham and O’Neill (again) went close, but a rare break by Preston saw a great volley flash inches wide.
Five minutes from time saw the move of the match. Blakey combined well with O’Neill who got to the by-line before delivering a superb cross. Unfortunately for the Clarets the diving Hindle was just inches away from connecting for what would have been a deserved equaliser.
So a disappointing start for the youngsters, but Preston will clearly be challengers for Tranmere’s title this season. The two teams will meet again shortly, as they are grouped with Blackpool and Wigan in the Youth Alliance Cup. No doubt Terry Pashley will welcome an early opportunity for revenge!