Morecambe U/18 1, Burnley U/18 1
Morecambe started their Puma Youth Alliance campaign by entertaining premiership new boys Burnley. Confidence was high after collecting a pre-season trophy in the Foyle Cup held in Ireland. The great British summer dealt a howling gale with sideways rain making playing conditions very difficult despite an excellent pitch.
Morecambe started brightly and pressurised their opponents into numerous errors. Ball was a constant threat having a smart right foot shot saved from 12 yards after only five minutes and with Clarke and Barrowclough controlling midfield it was obvious chances would come.
On 15 minutes Wraight shot wide from a tight angle after being put free by Clarke and then Wraight turned provider as his deep cross was met at the back post by Crossley, only to see his header blocked on the line. The excellent Silver in midfield was pulling the strings and but for some over elaboration with passing and wasteful finishing Morecambe youngsters could have had the game wrapped up by half time - but 0-0 it remained.
The second half saw much of the same, entirely dominant in defence and midfield it seemed a matter of time before the opening goal. Twice Ball was put through in the first 15mins of the half only to see the linesman's flag deny him on both occasions. On 70 mins the breakthrough came, Barrowclough set Wraight free on the left, again his trickery left the visitors standing before he delivered a pin point cross to the head of Silver coming in from the right 1-0.
Yet still it could have been more, Ball and Yates had efforts cleared off the line from corners and Cowperthwaite went close with a flashing drive from the right after great work by Ball. The last ten minutes saw Burnley put the home side under some pressure but in truth it was too little too late as Yates, Taberner, Evans and Crossley dealt comfortably with the visitors attacks.
Overall a satisfying start and a performance that showed a great work ethic. However in games to come Morecambe cannot be as wasteful with the ball and must take their chances.
Team; Bee, Crossley, Taberner, Yates, M Evans, Wraight, Clarke (R Evans 80), Barrowclough, Silver, Cowperthwaite, Ball
Subs not used; Atkinson, Mills, Macenerney, Smith
Next game Saturday 22/08/09 Away to Wigan 11am KO.
