THE Clarets youngsters returned to winning ways at the weekend as they finally got a match under their belts.

A number of Terry Pashley's squad had been in action for the reserves in a 3-2 defeat by Barnsley at Turf Moor a week ago but Saturday's game was the first for the youth team in almost a month.

Having fallen behind to a goal in the first half they battled back to secure the points despite missing a penalty for the second successive game.

"It was a scrappy first half and the pitch was not the best because of all the rain we had, it was very tacky," said Pashley. "We were one down but there was a marked improvement after the break and Stephen Richardson got the equaliser.

"Then they conceded an own goal when there was a long throw into the box and that was enough for the win.

"Stephen missed a penalty at the end, just as Mark Rasmussen had done in the last game against Tranmere."

Pashley had to field a young side and the Clarets ended the match with five players from the under-16 group against opponents who were closer to the under-19 mark.

"They did okay and it will be a good experience for them," he said as he continues to cope with the same sort of selection problems that have hit Stan Ternent this season.

"Richard Chaplow has been diagnosed as having glandular fever and he will be checked out by the doctor again this week.

"Paul Scott has returned to training this week but Adam Scott has some ligament trouble on his knee and Liam Eves got thigh strain the day before the game and so was missing."

The youngsters do now know when they will be playing their two big cup matches at Turf Moor, the first being played a week today when Crystal Palace are the visitors in the FA Youth Cup. The reserve game scheduled for that night has been moved.

Then on Monday December 9 Pashley's side will take on Tranmere Rovers in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup.

It is hoped that a few of the players who have been missing will be available for the two games.