Burnley's "mini-Clarets" got off to a great start on Saturday, beating Clitheroe by eight clear goals in the first match of this season's Luther Mercer competition for junior school footballers in this and neighbouring towns.

Match Report by JCM:
It is too early, after a single game, to make a firm prediction but already teachers and parents believe that this combination will take some beating. In all levels of football spectators are usually aware of at least one weakness in a side. But not here! Every single boy impressed by his contribution to the game. The defence was strong, decisive, and quick-tackling and the attack combined well to produce some deadly finishing. After just five minutes Nicholas Osborn opened the scoring with a fierce drive from the corner of the penalty area. Not long afterwards a fine run and a beautifully chipped centre by outside left Mark Bowman was guided into the net by Stephen Ashworth. A typical example of how well the boys combined was the third goal. Sheehan retrieved the ball in his own half, side-stepped a tackle and hit an immaculate through pass to Osborn moving into position. He, in turn, drew the goalkeeper, before chipping the ball over his head into the net. Just before half time Clitheroe conceded an own goal following continued pressure from the eager Burnley forwards.

After the re-start, the Burnley boys really took command, finding plenty of space in which to work. Captain, Barry Morrow, added the fifth goal following a corner. Soon afterwards Morrow popped up again during a goalmouth scramble to flick in the sixth. At this juncture, Keith Sharples failed to score from a penalty but it made little difference. Stephen Ashworth delighted the spectators by some superb running off the ball which put him in the right position to pick up a fast ball, side-step the keeper and screw the ball left-footed into the net. A Fine goal! Nicholas Osborn completed his hat trick by scoring the eighth goal for Burnley. Certainly the Clarets can look forward to the next match in this competition with some confidence and Mr J. Whalley (manager) and Mr J. Hargreaves (assistant manager) are both quietly optimistic about this season's prospects.