Accrington Stanley 1, Burnley 3

THREE goals in the first half by an experienced Burnley Reserve side proved to be too much for a Stanley side missing several first team regulars.

The Clarets took the lead on 14 minutes when Paul Smith crossed from the right to the far post where Repulic of Ireland Under-21 International striker Alan Lee dived in to head home.

Two minutes later Stanley's Paul Burns created an opening for Mark Ceraolo but his well struck shot dipped just over the crossbar.

Burnley increased their lead on 31 minutes with a well taken free kick after Robbie Williams fouled Lee, 22 yards out. Trialist Scott Oakes stepped up and brilliantly curled the ball round the Stanley wall into the net.

A minutes before the interval Reds' goalkeeper Jamie Speare spilled a cross from the left and John Williamson was on hand to score from close range.

Accrington pulled a goal back, in a much improved second half display, on 58 minutes when Ged Courtney played the ball across the penalty area to the far post where the unmarked Servet Tasdemir made no mistake, firing the ball in from 10 yards.

Another good ball by Courtney, four minutes later, set up a glorious chance for Burns, who was put clear one-on-one with Clarets goalkeeper Craig Mawson but he could only fire the ball straight at the keeper.

Shortly after a Tasdemir corner was met by Jonathan Smith but his powerful header was plucked from under the crossbar by Mawson.

Burnley almost grabbed a fourth goal late on but a superb solo run by Anthony Shandran ended with Speare making a fine save.