A YOUNG Burnley side battled bravely for two hours against a strong Tranmere side before losing this Lancashire FA Youth Cup tie to a goal seven minutes from the end of extra time.

On a heavy pitch a squad of 16 that featured TEN schoolboys worked hard and created a couple of great chances to snatch the lead.

But they were also grateful to Rovers failing to find the net from the penalty spot on two occasions in the second half, although on the second occasion justice was definitely done.

The match started with Rovers on top and keeper Michael Hale made the first of a string of fine saves to keep out striker Chris Dagnall. Not only was he an impressive shot stopper, his handling of crosses was exemplary.

Fellow schoolboy Neil Trotman was in commanding form in front of him, in a back three with trainees Paul Scott and Ryan Townsend.

But it was Richard Chaplow who was really catching the eye in midfield with a non-stop display of tigerish tackling, quick feet and good passing.

In attack Robert Grimes and Rhys Carpenter, who was filling a wide left role, were struggling to make an impact against a solid visiting defence.

Having weathered the early storm Burnley should have scored in the 32nd minute when Stephen Richardson's long throw dropped to Trotman who shot at the keeper from close range.

Seconds into the second half Carpenter wasted another golden opportunity when he was released after good work by Grimes and Marc Pugh only to slice his left foot shot wide.

On 56 minutes Townsend tripped Dagnall but the striker's penalty was brilliantly saved low to his right by Hale.

When the ref gave Tranmere another chance from the spot in the 78th minute, after Trotman and Thomas Carroll clashed outside of the area, it was only fair that the striker would drag his kick well wide.

With young Tom Ince running himself into the ground and players on both sides struggling it was the extra strength of the Tranmere side that told as sub James Heywood lost the ball and Alan Griffiths broke clear to score the only goal and avoid a penalty shoot-out.

It was hard on the young Clarets but having lost 5-0 to Tranmere in the cup last year, they could be proud of their battling efforts.

Burnley: Hale, Townsend, Trotman, Scott, Richardson, Chaplow, Avery (Heywood 70), Ince (Cardle 111), Pugh, Grimes (McFadden 57), Carpenter. Subs not used: Evans, Jordan.

Tranmere Rovers: Palethorpe, Hooper (James 74), Griffiths, Martin, Ashton, Brown, Jennings, Scott, Temarco, Dagnall, Carroll (Dickinson 105). Subs not used: March, Vaughan, Jones.

BURNLEY YOUTH...0 TRANMERE YOUTH...1