Burnley 1 - 2 Dundee United (Pre-season report)

By Turftalker
July 17 2004

Burnley's first game at Turf Moor of the pre-season ended in a defeat to SPL side Dundee United 2-1. Here we give you a break down of the goals, cards and an analysis in to the Burnley side for you to digest!

Burnley 1 --- 2 Dundee United

                                              Blake       ---    Robson, Grady

Match Report: http://www.burnleyfootballclub.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10413~541668,00.html

       

Analysis:

Burnley played throughout the game with a 4-4-2 formation. They lined up with Brian Jensen in goals and a back four of (left to right) Camara, McGreal, Walton, Duff. In midfield (l-r) was Chaplow, Grant, Branch, Roche and up front was Moore and Blake (c). Sadly Ian Moore went off in the first few minutes with an ankle injury. We will keep you updated on his progress.

This formation did not change at all during the game, but a few things were noted by myself.

- The warm regime is very similar to last season to look at. The notable difference being the division in to two groups between first team and subs. It should allow us to see who is in the team a few minutes earlier! Further more there was a real focus by Dave Kevan and Mark Yates on the speed and shooting of Moore and Blake during the warm up (very much welcomed!)

- We are really lacking width as a team. The lack of wingers is in my view our biggest weakness at the moment. We need at least one player who can run at players and put in the killer cross. Neither Chaplow, Roche or O'Neil seemed to provide that today.

- We are slowly looking like a "bigger" team. The manager has increased the height throughout the team and this will strengthen us on set pieces especially.

- Fitness was generally good, but there are obvious signs of a lack of true coherence. This is niether surprising of particularly worrying as it is still early in the season and during pre-season the results really do not matter.

- Of the new signings, Michael Duff shone. He is tall, athletic and seems to have a good pass on him. He also looks the kind of player who would be flexible. It looks at this very early stage he may be a steal at 30k.

- Of the trialists I was most impressed by Cyril Poh the striker. I felt he had a good touch and good football brain. Whether he is better than what we have or will add any different I am not sure. Dave Walton was solid, but lacked pace and I remain to be convinced. It is a similar story with Zadi, who although getting only 20 minutes looked average.

- Throughout the match Steve Cotterill was gently encouraging the players and sending out orders and he got a good standing ovation from the crowd. It was a decent crowd more or less filling the Longside lower tier and filling the Bob Lord Stand.

- Dundee United brought about 250 fans and they made a good noise. They were real good supporters and I only wished we played Scottish teams more often. The Arabs were a good solid side and although they lacked our creativity, I felt more certain their defence was well drilled.

Match Star: Richard Chaplow

Chaplow gave a great performance to show just why Leeds are interested. Although Blake scored a great free-kick and Duff was impressive, Chaplow ran and ran and showed good vision in passing and with shots. I only wished all players would do this in the claret and blue.

Match Stinker: Lee Roche

The former Manchester United player has a lot to prove. Playing in an uncomfortable right wing position, I felt he really failed to get involved and try, even though he was obviously not happy there. He looked off the boil and really must do better.

Next Match: Everton (H) on Thursday 19:45 KO, in a Pre-season friendly.

-END-