Today the Linfield FC U15 team made the trip to Burnley FC to participate in a exhibition game versus their Under 15 Academy side.
It was an early start for the boys and coaches setting off at 7am en route to Manchester. When arriving in Manchester the boys were then transported to Burnley FC's training ground via luxury coach.
When arriving at the Training Ground the boys were given a tour of the very impressive complex which seemed to both inspire and excite them all, whilst thinking about the game.
Before the 2pm KO they had the opportunity to watch Burnley U13s and U14s take on Newcastle United, the level was very high with all of the boys complementing the standard of play.
Darren Devlin and Gareth Dempster set the boys up with a great team talk and warm up in preparation for the 90 minute game, the boys started very well, with Callum Burnside turning the Burnley back four with long, penateating passes. The game was played in great fashion and in hot conditions. On 14 minutes Burnley took the lead through their 6ft plus Centre Back directing the ball into the net with a bullet header. Linfield never let this bother them and kept playing some good football, unfortunately on 23 minutes they got caught on the counter attack and finished the first 30 minute period 2-0 down.
PERIOD ONE 2-0 to Burnley.
After some positive talks from the coaches, the boys came out flying and dominated the 2nd period, Zach Anderson hit the cross-bar, Kenzie Beattie had a great chance before Callum Burnside converted a deflected effort from around 20 yards to make the game 2-1. A very positive period.
PERIOD TWO 2-1 to Burnley
The last period began at a frantic pace and from the wide area Burnley scored another goal to lead 3-1. The boys never gave up and Braiden Graham went up the other end converting a great passing move from Callum Cowan and Callum Burnside. The striker got himself into the box cooly slotting home a left foot drive making the game 3-2.
Two minutes later the game was level from an outstanding strike from Callum Burnside into the roof of the net, 3-3 game on.
As the game went on both sides had great chances, Callum Cowan scored a cracking free-kick which was ruled off-side and Samuel Francey made some great saves. The boys after playing on Saturday were getting tired but proudly and collectively worked hard to give an outstanding team performance. The game was end to end with Callum Mooreland making an outstanding goal line clearance before Braiden Graham brought a great save from the Burnley goalkeeper. Sadly, with one minute remaining the sucker punch came, the impressive Burnley No 15 whipped a ball into the box from the right with their number 4 getting on the end and converting to finish the game 4-3.
The boys were a total credit to Linfield FC, their coaches, family and friends. We would like to thank Burnley FC for their friendship and hospitality throughout the day. A truly memorable experience for all involved. The boys also received tremendous applause from the Burnley staff and coaches for their effort, desire, commitment and level of play.
Linfield FC would like to thank coaches Darren Devlin and Gareth Dempster for the amazing work they do with these boys on a weekly basis. Academy Scout Ricky McIntyre also made the trip and was very impressed with the performance. Academy director Glenn Ferguson also shared his thoughts and applause on an outstanding display and sent the boys some kind words from across the Irish Sea.
Finally we would like to thank one of the Academy coaches Scott Boyd for his help in organising this trip for the boys. It truly is one that they will always remember. COYB.
