BURNLEY crashed out of the their second cup competition in despite a battling display against Manchester City at Maine Road yesterday.

The Blues Academy youngsters were too strong for Terry Pashley's team in the AXA FA Youth Cup but, after the 5-0 mauling by Tranmere in the Lancashire Cup six days earlier, it was an improved performance.

Once again James Salisbury in the Clarets goal was the star of the show, making a series of fine saves to keep the scoreline down and it was harsh on the young stopper when he was beaten for the third time by the last kick of the game.

But the margin of victory was fully merited although there was more than a hint of controversy about the opening goal.

Burnley opted to start with a 4-5-1 formation and there were also a number of positional changes following the defeat by Tranmere.

Joel Pilkington and Sean Blakey dropped into the defence having started in midfield for the last game and the Clarets immediately looked a more solid unit.

In fact for 25 minutes they restricted City to a couple of long range efforts until their debateable opener.

Glen Weaver headed down a corner that Stephen Elliott poked goalward only for first Brian Fogarty and then Salisbury to appear to stop it on the line. The referee's assistant disagreed and the goal was given.

In many ways that was game over as the Clarets, despite some good passing movements and committed play, never got a sight of Keiren Westwood's goal.

Lone striker Damien Hindle worked hard and he did get support from Matthew O'Neill and Paul Barrett but it was a struggle against a physically strong City side.

Salisbury made great saves to deny Phil Gilder, James Almond, Lee Croft and Ciaran Kilheeney but two second half goals from the latter gave the scoreline a more realistic look.

But the positive aspect for Pashley will have been the way lessons from Monday had been learned. The defence was not breached as easily, there was greater bite in midfield and everyone worked tremendously hard against a clearly stronger side.

That type of battling will bring rewards if repeated against sides in the Youth Alliance League.

Manchester City: Westwood; James, Weaver, Egerton, Tickle; Croft, Gilder, O'Flood, Almond (Tandy 64); Kilheeney, Elliott (Orr 74). Subs not used: Hodgson, Proffitt, McDowall.

Burnley: Salisbury; Leary, Eves, Blakey, Pilkington; Barrett (Allen 74), Rasmussen, Chaplow, Fogarty, M O'Neill; Hindle. Subs not used: Hale, Bromham, E O'Neill.

MANCHESTER CITY...3 BURNLEY...0