The Blues’ final warm-up match before their NextGen Series opener against Barcelona proved to be a tenacious encounter, with striker Harry Bunn marking his comeback game with a goal and Chris Chantler impressing with a rocketing strike.
After a couple of early efforts from Andrea Mancini, it was the visitors who took the lead.
Just six minutes in, Burnley’s Shay McCartan broke with blistering pace past Courtney Meppen-Walter on the right and managed to shoot low past City’s goalkeeper Eirik Johansen. It was an impressive move that took the Blues by surprise after a spritely start from the home team.
City responded by continually pressing immediately for the equaliser. Gai Assulin, who was impressive in the side’s 3-0 Manchester Senior Cup win against Oldham Athletic, and the energetic Bunn, spearheaded the hosts’ attacks.
On 17 minutes, a pinpoint through-ball from Mancini set up Chris Chantler, whose one-on-one shot produced a solid save from Burnley’s Jon Stewart. City continued to keep possession and broke again, with Bunn’s shot denied from close range. Just moments later, Bunn threatened again, but his shot from 20 yards curled just wide of the post.
With half time approaching, the Blues finally equalised. Bunn, who had proved to be a constant menace for Burnley with his pace and vision, curled a low shot that gave Stewart no chance.
The second half proved to be a much more open affair, with play free-flowing between both teams
...EDS match report
A steely Burnley side tended to cancel out City’s fluidity and movement but it was the Blues edged ahead on 71 minutes when Chantler’s thunderbolt shot from the edge of the box fired past substitute goalkeeper Matt Tomlinson.
The Clarets were far from a spent force, however, and their persistence was rewarded when Dominic Knowles drilled his shot past Johansen to make sure Burnley were guaranteed their share of the spoils.
The friendly proved to be a strong test for the EDS, with the Blues hosting Spanish giants Barcelona in the next game at Hyde FC, their opening game in the NextGen Series on 15 September.
