Clarets suffer third defeat in under-21 league
It was a third defeat in three for the under-21s this afternoon at Leyland but it is hard to determine just how we managed to lose the game 3-0 against Queens Park Rangers having had spells on top in both halves.
We went into the game having suffered defeat against both Charlton and Reading but we started the game much the brighter and the only dampener was the rain that started to fall. As it got heavier, Ne-Jai Tucker probably had our best chance and we were virtually in control for the first half hour.
Then, it all changed. QPR missed two good chances, the second of them the easiest of headers. We didn’t pay heed and in their next attack, having won a corner, they took the lead. Coming in from the left, we had to opportunities to clear but the ball bobbled around before Joe Gubbins made no mistake as he fired into the net.
Apart from one long range effort, comfortably dealt with by the goalkeeper, we offered no threat for the remainder of the half but it all changed after half time with us dominating proceedings. We had chances but they got blocks in and visiting goalkeeper Murphy Mahoney made a string of fine saves, requiring treatment after one outstanding save down to his left by the post.
Surely a goal had to come but when it did, it was at the other end when Alfie Lloyd hit a shot from some distance. It deceived goalkeeper Lewis Thomas and crept into the corner of the net. With just twelve minutes remaining, we looked beaten at 2-0 down and a minute later, Lloyd, with a powerful header, scored his second and their third.
It was hard to believe on the balance of play but it was another defeat for the under-21s who have now dropped to the bottom of the league on goal difference.
It has to be said that this was a very young and inexperienced team we had out while QPR’s carried a number of players with league experience but the lads looked deflated at the final whistle in a game where the result really should have been much different.
The teams were;
Burnley: Lewis Thomas, Will Hugill, Dan Sassi, Benn Ward, Finn Armstrong (Dane McCullough 76), Ne-Jai Tucker, Mark Helm, Joe Bauress (Frankie Deane 81), Kade Ratchford, Joe McGlynn, Lewis Richardson. Subs not used: Harry Moss, Jacson Coppack, Joe Westley.
QPR: Murphy Mahoney, Arkell Jude-Boyd, Aaron Drewe, Trent Rendell, Joe Gubbins, Connor Masterson, Faysal Bettache, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Alfie Lloyd, Stan Flaherty, Joseph Ajose. Subs: Deonysus Woodman, Matteo Salamon, Rafferty Pedder, Ody Alfa.
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