PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY - FRIDAY 20th JULY 2007

BURSCOUGH

1

BURTON ALBION

2

ATT: 111

Report copied from Burscough official website www.burscoughfc.co.uk

Burton Albion played out an entertaining friendly at Victoria Park with the Blue Square Premier Division winning 2-1.

In a game were both sides had plenty of chances it was the visitors who created the most in a first half largely controlled by Nigel Clough's side. It was no surprise when John Shaw raced through, following a blocked Adam Tong clearance, to finish powerfully past Zak Hibbert in the 20th minute.

Despite plenty of Burton possession and chances the visitors could not find another way past Hibbert and Adam Flynn who both looked impressive.

In fact Burscough themselves carved out some opportunities of their own when first Martin Clark tipped a glancing Kilheeney shot out for a corner, then was fortunate to see a Robbie Booth shot come back to him from the foot of the post. Almost immediately following the Booth attempt Kilheeney found himself clear on goal but once more the veteran goalkeeper made a smart save at the feet of the Burscough striker.

Once again liam Watson rang the changes with wholesale changes to his line up for the second half. Burton continued where they had lft off with some fluent passing of the football and lots of attacking play. However Burscough looked better in the second half and had several more opportunities of their own to find the net.

It was however Albion who scored again mid way through the half when following some great interplay Shaun Harrad found space in the area and clipped a shot over McMillan now in the Burscough goal, to increase their lead.

With Chris Price becoming increasingly more involved the Linnets were beginning to gain a foothold in midfield and began creating more problems for the strong Burton rearguard.

martin Clark was becoming the busier goalkeeper and Burscough got their reward when a thumping shot from Chris Price cannoned off the cross bar to the feet of Farrell Kilbane who had the easiest task of finding the net. At 2-1 it was 'game on' once more.

However Burton could not be discounted as Tony McMillan was forced into action on more than one occasion keeping the Linnets in the game.

Then with time almost up Burscough had one last opportunity to draw level. Martin Clark could only parry a swerving shot from the edge of the area and he was again fortunate to see Matty Parry's attempt to strike the rebound in, find his feet as he fell on the ball to his and Burton's relief.

All in all it was an entertaining game played in difficult conditions for which all the players have to take credit for.