U21S PREVIEW: DERBY COUNTY V BURNLEY

Central League Cup final awaits

Burnley U21s have a chance to get their hands on silverware on Tuesday evening when they play Derby County in the final of the Central League Cup (7pm kick-off).

The Central League Cup is a ‘reserve’ competition run by the EFL, with the young Clarets topping Group B having won all four matches.

Andy Farrell’s team then beat Stockport County 4-3 in an entertaining semi final and there were four different scorers, with Vernon Masara, Murray Campbell, Joe Bevan and Benn Ward all netting.

Burnley come into the game on the back of a 2-2 Professional Development League draw with Watford on Friday.

Ackeme Francis-Burrell opened the scoring with a header in Hertfordshire before Michael Adu-Poku drew the Hornets level.

The young Clarets weren’t to be deterred, though, as the returning Joe Westley produced an excellent header to restore their lead.

Unfortunately that wasn’t enough to earn all three points, with Watford’s Laken Torres hitting back 20 minutes from time.

Derby County’s academy is Category A and as such, the Rams compete in PL 2. They’re bottom of that 26-team table having taken 16 points from 20 matches.

They were victorious in their last league match, however, beating Everton 3-0 last week.

Niall McAndrew fired Jake Buxton’s side ahead before Riley Moloney and Eno Nto both scored in a two-minute spell to take the game away from the Toffees.

Ahead of the game, U21s Manager Andy Farrell said: “To finish the season with something to play for is great for the boys.

“There have been a few highs and a few lows, but we’ve had some good runs in cup competition and it will be nice to finish the campaign at Pride Park against a Category One club.”

“They’ll be a little bit better than the teams we usually play against but we played Arsenal away last year and won 3-2, so we know we’re capable.”

Supporters are welcome to attend the game at Pride Park, with free entry via the East Stand turnstiles.

If you can’t make it be sure to follow live updates on X @ClaretsAcademy, with a match report to follow the final whistle on www.burnleyfootballclub.com.