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Match Previews

Preview: Burnley under-23s (H)

26 July 2019

Match Previews

Preview: Burnley under-23s (H)

26 July 2019

It's one final run out at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium ahead of the new League Two season on Saturday when Burnley under-23s are the visitors (kick-off: 3pm).

Cheltenham begin their season at Leyton Orient in a week and the countdown is on ahead of Michael Duff's first full season in charge.

Having already entertained Leicester City and Shrewsbury Town at the Jonny-Rocks this week, the Robins cap three home matches in seven days with this weekend's tie against Burnley's up and coming youngsters - a team managed by Duff before he was appointed Cheltenham boss last September.

Tickets for Saturday's match are available to buy on the turnstiles and online here.

Team news

Reuben Reid and George Lloyd both have knee problems that rule them out.

Chris Hussey and Josh Debayo are unlikely to feature as they nurse knocks that are being managed ahead of the new campaign.

Opposition

Burnley under-23s come into the fixture having had a mixed start to their pre-season, recording a win over Polish side Pogon Szczecin II, a 1-0 win over Bamber Bridge, but also being on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Stalybridge Celtic.

They are led by Head Coach Steve Stone who previously played for Nottingham Forest, making a total of 229 appearances at the club, and also having a long stint at Aston Villa. Stone was previously the first team coach of Newcastle United before filling the vacancy left by Michael Duff when he moved to Cheltenham.

Defender Ryan Cooney is one to look out for on Saturday. The defender has actually got senior experience in the Football League with Bury under his belt ahead of joining the under-23s at Turf Moor this summer.

Central midfielder Josh Benson is also one to watch, being with the Arsenal academy since under nine level and even appearing on the bench for the Burnley first team against Manchester United back in January after impressing with the under-23s.

Forward Rob Harker leads the line for the side, scoring 7 goals for Burnley's under-23s last season and scoring a brace on their last league game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.

They will be hoping to push forward after a very solid league campaign finishing 4th in the Professional Development Youth League North and reaching the final of the Lancashire Senior Cup.

Saturday's opposition will still have to face Curzon Ashton and Connah’s Quay Nomads in their upcoming games, after their fixture with the Robins.

Previous meetings

This will be the first time Cheltenham and Burnley under-23s have played each other.

The two clubs have met in one competitive game previously in 2002 when the Robins pulled off an FA Cup giant-killing to knock then Division One (Championship) Burnley out of the FA Cup to claim a place in the fifth round.

That day in the 2001-02 season saw first half goals from Russell Milton and Julian Alsop help the Robins to a 2-1 win.

Current assistant boss Milton played in a Robins side that also included now manager Michael Duff, who would go onto sign for Burnley, as well as current goalkeeper coach Steve Book. Also in the team that day was future manager Mark Yates.

Tickets

Tickets for Saturday are priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. They are available to buy on the turnstiles and online here in advance.

The ticket office will be open from midday for fans wanting to collect season tickets or purchase away travel to the Saturday 3 August fixture at Leyton Orient.

You can also visit the club shop before the game to purchase merchandise, including the club's new away shirt.

Coverage

On Twitter you can follow @CTFCofficial for team news, photos, and updates throughout the game. Updates will also be available on the club's Facebook page.

Post-match you can check out the club website to read a match report and hear reaction to the game from the manager and a member of the squad.


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