Setback for Burnley FC reserves

THE Clarets’ second string slipped to a third defeat in four games courtesy of a late Latics winner on Tuesday night at Turf Moor.

Ashley Hoskin’s side had the better of the opening exchanges, with Michael King’s header turned round the post by Shaun Routledge from Ross Wilson’s cross after a flowing move.

But Oldham went in front on 13 minutes as Robert McGrady broke at pace into the box, and his cross-shot was turned in at the far post by Ryan Burns.

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Kirk Millar then sent a half-volley over the top for the visitors, before the Clarets drew level as Curtis Woods’ cross picked out Dominic Knowles, and though Routledge beat away his fierce strike, Wes Fletcher - in his first action since returning from an ankle injury - sniffed out the rebound and instinctively finished.

King’s daisy-cutter looked destined for the far corner moments later, only for a fine touch from Routledge to divert it for a corner, and Carl Winchester almost put through his own goal from Wilson’s whipped-in cnetre after Knowles laid off a Dean Overson throw in.

From the resulting King corner, the ball fell to Knowles, who was somehow denied from close range by Routledge.

The game was a scrappier affair after the break, with the introduction of Chris McCann on 53 minutes getting the biggest ovation of the night, replacing trialist Louis-Rae Beadle.

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Within four minutes the Clarets were in front as Chris Lynch’s delightful pass sent Fletcher down the inside left channel, and he held the ball up for Joe McKee, who cut inside and reversed a shot back inside the near post.

Oldham pressed for a leveller, and Matt A Carr poked a shot goalwards after a mix-up with teammate Ben Stevens fell kindly, but his effort was deflected wide.

Substitute Joe Jackson saw his shot saved after a great touch from a Wilson cross, before Knowles found the side-netting after a one-two with King.

Latics levelled when Nik Kudiersky mis-judged a punt downfield, and Stevens cut onto his left foot and produced a sublime finish nside the far post.

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And James Tarkowski nicked it at the death, coolly slotting home from Stevens’ pass.

Burnley: Cook; Overson, Kudiersky (Yadolahi 75), C. Lynch, Woods; Wilson, Beadle (McCann 53), McKee, King; Fletcher (Jackson 60), Knowles. Subs not used: Mawson, Williams, Taylor, Heweitt.

Final Score: Burnley Reserves 2, Oldham Athletic Reserves 3