A TOM Ince free kick clinched a slender win for Burnley's youth team against Blackpool at the weekend.

The youngster curled his second half effort in from around 25 yards to secure a 1-0 win at Squires Gate, which means they have picked up 26 points from 12 games to stay top of the league.

But coach Terry Pashley was disappointed his side failed to convert more of the chances they carved out, despite the game becoming scrappy.

The Clarets youngsters kept possession well and dominated the left flank, where Adam Jones and Ince combined effectively, while Alex Taylor was denied by the woodwork.

Midfielder Darrell Avery did find the net before half-time but had his effort harshly ruled out for offside.

Pashley's side were rewarded for their pressure in the 65th minute when they earned a free kick on the right, just outside the area.

Ince struck the ball sweetly with his left foot and into the top corner past the helpless Blackpool goalkeeper.

"It was an excellent free kick, but we had other chances where we should have done better to make it more comfortable," Pashley said.

"It wasn't the best of games, but the win keeps our run going ahead of some important games in the run-up to Christmas."

Burnley entertain Tranmere on Saturday then Norwich in the FA Youth Cup next Tuesday before rounding off the campaign before Christmas with a derby against Preston.

"We've got three tough games in the space of a week," Pashley added.

The youth team hopes to welcome back Martin Reilly for the Norwich clash but Kyle Lafferty is likely to be ruled out.