OLDHAM YOUTH 3

BURNLEY YOUTH 2

(after extra time)

BURNLEY youths suffered extra time heartbreak after clawing back a two-goal deficit to Oldham in their Lancashire FA Youth Cup semi final.

Striker Cayne Hanley struck a second half brace to cap a superb fightback by the Clarets, who were stunned by two Latics' goals in the opening 45 minutes.

But just when it appeared that penalties might decide the outcome, the holders struck a killer blow deep into extra time to keep one hand on their trophy.

Youth team boss Terry Pashley said: "To come back from two down and lose in that fashion is hard to take.

"It's so difficult and I feel for the lads, but there also has to be some home truths about how we fell two goals down so early.

"That's the way it is, but the boys have done so well this season, so we can still hold our heads up."

The fourth meeting of the two sides this season looked like going Oldham's way when Matt Barlow scored twice in the opening 17 minutes.

Keeper Mark Crossley kept the Clarets in the game with some smart saves, which paid dividends when Hanley, who had a goal disallowed on the stroke of half time, struck from close range with over 20 minutes left.

The young striker, recently promoted to the first team squad, then deservedly levelled the tie with a neat lob to set up a grandstand finish.

But after Latics' keeper Terry Smith kept his side in the game with some terrific saves, Matt Wolfenden sealed Burnley's fate with a dramatic late winner.

Burnley: Crossley, Henry, Reilly, McCann, Trotman, Overson, Pugh, Platt, Hanley, Lafferty (Turner 110) Ince.

Subs not used: Akbar, Underwood, Hale, Smith.