Burnley Reserves 1, Huddersfield Town Reserves 4

THE Clarets fielded one of their strongest reserve line-ups of the season at Tuf Moor last night but couldn't avoid a comprehensive defeat to a near first-choice Huddersfield side.

Former QPR front man Kevin Gallen grabbed a double and could easily have had a hat-trick against an over-worked Paul Crichton who was given the chance to stretch his legs in the Burnley goal.

The Clarets, who also took a look at young trialist striker James Gledhill, started brightly as John Mullin darted onto a through-ball from Dean West only for Town keeper Martyn Margetson to whip the ball of his toes.

But Mullin was then required at the other end to clear off the line from Martin Smith before Huddersfield went in front after 20 minutes when Smith and Gallen combined for the latter to fire past Crichton.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 courtesy of Gallen and the striker went close to completing his treble three times before the break.

Anthony Shandran relieved the pressure with a shot that was pushed round the post by Margetson but five minutes before half-time Kenny Irons put the Terriers three up when he beat Crichton at the second attempt.

Seven minutes into the second half substitute Chris Hay made it 4-0 and Gallen again went close before the Clarets finally threatened in the closing stages.

Substitutes Andy Leeson and Michael Devenney combined to create an opening for Shandran who then grabbed a superb late consolation after Chris Brass had cleared off the line from Irons and Crichton had again thwarted Gallen at the other end.

Picking the ball up out wide Shandran weaved his way into the box before shooting beyond Margetson to end a disappointing evening for the Clarets on a high note.

Burnley: Crichton, West, Pilkington (Leeson), Brass, Boardman, Smith, Maylett, Mellon, Shandran, Gledhill (Devenney), Mullin. Subs not used: Mawson, Scott, Kevan