U12 Easter Trip to Burnley
Posted : 12th April 2023 at 12:42:35
U12 Easter Trip to Burnley
The u12s headed off on their second trip of the season last Sunday when they headed to Lancashire to take on Burnley u12s in back to back games at the Clarets’ fantastic Barnfield Training Centre.
The first game was a 9v9 format and from the start, the Burnley youngsters showed their class with some excellent movement and quick combinations which the Blues struggled to deal with. We found ourselves 1 down and could have been further behind before Dara equalised. Despite getting back into the game, we struggled to impose ourselves and Burnley scored two further goals in the game to take the first match 3-1.
The second game was at 11v11 and it was a completely different Linfield team which took to the field. Our aggression and intensity were raised considerably and our ability to play quickly through midfield caused Burnley all sorts of problems. Noah gave us an early lead before Calum doubled our advantage. Burnley got one back before Dara made it 3-1 with a clever lob over the keeper, before another Burnley goal made it 3-2. Dara scored again but the Blues were denied a penalty to make it 5-2. Burnley got a third to set up a nervy finish but we held on to win 4-3. A massive effort from the lads to play 100 minutes against probably the best team that we have played and the whole group did themselves and the club proud with their performance.
Many thanks to Burnley FC for their hospitality before, during and after the game. A brilliant experience for the Blues to play a top Academy side right alongside the newly promoted Burnley first team in outstanding facilities.
The rest of the trip saw the boys play some 5-a-side on Monday morning before travelling to Deepdale in nearby Preston to watch playoff chasing Preston North End take on Reading. An exciting game for the boys to watch, as Preston scored an injury time winner. A brilliant time had by all with some fantastic memories made!