BURNLEY Reserves returned to Turf Moor last night, but there was little to celebrate as a strong line-up was outclassed by a young Manchester City side.

The one plus was that defensive midfielder Graham Alexander made his comeback from a five-week lay-off with a calf problem, boosting his chances of a first team return at Arsenal on Saturday with a 64-minute run-out.

But after taking the lead, the Clarets were undone by a John Guidetti hat-trick and an Andrew Tutte penalty.

Alexander could have fired the Clarets ahead with just a minute on the clock but a deflection sent his volley from Steven Thompson’s knock-down narrowly wide.

David Edgar gave Burnley lead on nine minutes after Joey Gudjonsson’s free kick on the left was flicked on by Thompson inside the box.

However, when City’s youngsters got a grip on the game they didn’t let go.

Jack Redshaw flashed a warning shot across the face of goal, and Edgar almost found his own net when he got his head to James Poole’s right wing free kick.

The crossbar spared the defender, but striker Guidetti equalised midway through the half with an excellent finish into the top corner from the edge of the box.

The young Swede added a second 10 minutes before the break when he ran onto a ball over the top of the defence unnoticed. Nicky Weaver made a good save from the initial shot, but Guidetti squeezed in the rebound.

Cameroon trialist Salomon Olembe was withdrawn at the break after an indifferent first half, and 10 minutes after the restart City increased their lead from the penalty spot when Michael Duff fouled Guidetti, and Andrew Tutte beat Weaver from 12 yards.

Guidetti completed his hat-trick after the referee was tricked by Poole’s dive inside the area with two minutes to go.

Weaver, who was booked for the incident, saved the penalty, but Guidetti reacted well to the rebound.

Burnley: Nicky Weaver; Richard Eckersley, Michael Duff, David Edgar, Stephen Jordan; Adam Kay, Joey Gudjonsson, Graham Alexander (Chris Anderson 64), Salomon Olembe (Alex-Ray Harvey 46); Steven Thompson, Frederic Nimani (Wes Fletcher 71).Subs not used: Daniel MacDonald, Ben Hoskin.