Burnley Reserves 0 Manchester City Reserves 0

A BRAVE fight against a City side with seven regular first-team players wasn't enough for Burnley to gain the win they needed to avoid relegation from the Pontins League First Division.

Chris Scott was the first to threaten for Burnley as he marked his return to action after having his tonsils removed by glancing a Paul Smith corner over the bar before Craig Mawson was forced into a fine save from Gareth Taylor at the other end.

The goal Burnley needed to avoid an instant return to the Second Division almost came on the half-hour but after Kevin Henderson's shot had been blocked, Nick Fenton got back to head Tony Shandran's follow-up off the line.

Taylor went close again for City, who also included Jamie Pollock, Gary Mason, Danny Tiatto, Richard Jobson and Jeff and Jim Whitley, with Brad Maylett heading away his goalbound effort.

But the second half was then dominated by the Clarets as they went all-out for the relegation-saving goal.

Maylett was denied by Daly, Henderson saw an overhead kick go just wide and with Gareth West thrown up front, the big defender had an effort disallowed for off-side and headed a Smith corner just wide. Danny Allsop could have ended Burnley's hopes when he broke clear but he shot into the side-netting and there was still time for a final chance for Shandran.

However, the young Clarets striker took the wrong option and shot straight at Daly rather than squaring the ball.

Despite failing to break the deadlock, Burnley were given a standing ovation as they left the First Division stage - unless a possible league re-shuffle earns them a reprieve over the summer.

Burnley reserves: Mawson, Scott (Vindhiem), Devenney, Ford, Heywood, West, Maylett, Robertson, Henderson, Shandran, Smith.

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