RONNIE Jepson gave his youngsters a deserved pat on the back despite falling to defeat in the Potteries.

Another young Clarets second string, bolstered by the inclusion of first teamers David May, Paul Weller and Dean West, went down 2-0 to a physical City side.

But with many of his young guns doubling up to play both reserve and youth team football, boss Jepson has declared himself happy with tier efforts so far this season.

He said: "The young lads have given me everything in every game so far and I couldn't be happier with their attitude.

"Physcially they have to get stronger, but that will come and right now I'm just glad they are going to get a bit of a rest for a month or so because they deserve it."

Youth team top scorer Rhys Carpenter almost gave the Clarets a perfect start at Newcastle Town's Lyme Valley Stadium with a couple of near misses.

But City snatched the lead with half time approaching as Lawrence Hall headed home off the inside of the post.

Marc Goodfellow should have made it 2-0 just after the restart with a shot into the side netting.

But he made amends in the 59th minute, finishing well after a ball was played in behind the defence.

Neal forced a terrific double save from Clarets keeper Michael Hale in the 65th minute and Earl Davis almost reduced the arrears instantly from Marc Pugh's free kick.

May and Weller finally made way midway through the second half, with Saturday's home classy with Coventry in mind.

And a youthful Clarets side was then left fruitlessly chasing the game. The reserves now have a winter break before their next game in early January.

STOKE CITY RES...2

BURNLEY RES...0