City's Under-18s open 2022 in winning fashion against Burnley

After a tight, cagey first 45 minutes, Breckin struck to give City a 46th minute lead before substitute Dickson then extended our advantage on 83 minutes.

Though Burnley struck late on to narrow the deficit, City held firm to secure all three points.

What happened

Back in action for the first time in exactly a month, it proved a tight, cagey opening 45 minutes.

City dominated territory and possession, but a well-drilled Clarts side proved tough and obdurate opponents.

With Thomas Galvez and Liam Smith linking well down the left flank and Luca Barrington a threat on the opposite flank, there was no lack of attacking outlet for City.

Our first and best opportunity of the opening half came on 19 minutes.

Liam Smith made a fine break down down the left before whipping in a teasing cross.

Rico Lewis was there to meet the ball first time but his instinctive touch curled just wide.

Thee was almost an immediate breakthrough after the break when Burnley keeper Charlie Caspar somehow kept out a point blank drive from Breckin.

City and Breckin though were not to be denied and just a minute later we were ahead.

A sweeping left wing move split Burnley asunder and as the ball entered the box, Breckin made no mistake from close range.

City almost struck again to impressive effect on 56 minutes after another left wing sortie but Breckin’s curling shot rolled just wide of the target.

City keeper George Murray-Jones then needed to be alert to keep out a stinging shot from Burnley sub Will Hugill on 68 minutes.

Liam Smith embarked on a teasing run end with a curling drive drifting just wide of the target.

With eight minutes left Murray-Jones made another superb save to deny Burnley sub Ryan Tiofflo with a brave block.

It was a crucial save as within 60 seconds we had doubled our advantage.

A quick City counterattack down the left flank ended with substitute Will Dickson slotting home from fellow sub Adedire Mebude’s assist to put further daylight between us and the Clarets.

Burnley though weren’t done yet and substitute Ruairi Behan struck with three minutes left to set up a nervy finish.

However, City held on to make it a winning start to the New Year.

How we lined up

George Murray-Jones was in goal shielded by a back four of skipper Rico Lewis, Lakyle Samuel, Isaac Smith and Tom Galvez.

Mahamadou Susoho, Luca Barrington and Josh Adam were our midfield trio with Dan Ogwuru, Kian Breckin and Liam Smith deployed as our attacking trident

What it means

The victory moves City up into second place in Under-18 Premier League North on 21 points just two behind leaders Blackburn though Rovers have a game in hand.

What’s next

Ben Wilkinson’s youngsters are back in Premier League Under-18 (North) action on Saturday when we travel to tackle Liverpool.

Kick-off on Merseyside is at 11am and CITY+ subscribers will be able to watch all the action live as it unfolds.