Fleetwood Town’s Development Squad lost 1-0 to an experienced Burnley side in the Lancashire FA Cup Quarter Final on Monday afternoon.
Cian Bolger’s own goal late in the first half proved to be the difference at Burnley’s Barnfield Training Centre, with the Cod Army knocked out in the last eight after reaching the final of the competition two years running.
In a game of few chances, Burnley had their first chance through Stephen Ward just three minutes in, with Billy Crellin saving well from close range. Stephen Defour then fired a volley wide of the goal.
The Clarets next chance fell to Dan Ageyi, after he picked up a loose ball in midfield and broke through the Fleetwood defence. However, he was denied by a fantastic challenge by Bolger.
The Premier Legue side had another chance to score on the 26th minute mark when Jay Metete fouled Defour. Josh Benson played it short to Ward, who crossed to Bobby Thomas at the back post, but his effort was blocked by James Hill – who impressed at the back for the Cod Army.
Burnley’s pressure was awarded on the after 33 minutes, when Ireland international Ward played a cross-field ball to Benson, who then played a dangerous ball across goal and the ball was put into his own net by Bolger.
Fleetwood who had limited chances all game saw a big opening arise when Crellin played a wonderful pass to Eddie Clarke, who had a run on the defenders but his attempted cross went straight out of play.
Ward, who was a threat all game, came close to doubling the Clarets lead, his 25 yard shot just flew over the crossbar in the first effort of the second half.
The Fleetwood defence were tested again on the hour mark, first by Rob Harker who tried to square the ball to a free Ageyi on the edge of the six yard box, but he was denied by an excellent challenge from Harrison Holgate. Bayode then saw his curling effort stopped by Crellin.
Burnley had one last big chance to clinch their second when Benson’s corner was met by Marley Blair but he failed to make proper contact and the ball ended up in the arms of Crellin.
They Cod Army failed to properly test England international Nick Pope between the hosts goal, with the Clarets progressing to the last four.
Burnley XI: Nick Pope, Jordan Cropper, Stephen Ward, Steven Defour (Howarth 75’), Bobby Thomas (Cook 60’), Anthony Glennon (c), Tunde Bayode, Josh Benson, Rob Harker, Dan Agyei, Marley Blair (Chakwna 80’)
Subs not used: Adam Bruce, Harry Rain
Fleetwood XI: Billy Crellin, Harrison Holgate, Lewis Baines, Katlego Mashigo (Boyle 70’), Cian Bolger(C), James Hill, Gethin Jones, Jay Metete (Makepeace 82’), Gerard Gardner, Dan Mooney, Eddy Clarke (Johnson 70’)
Subs not used: Alex Clayton, Liam Goldsbrough