Ne-Jai Tucker Scores In Burnley U23 Victory
Bermuda’s Ne-Jai Tucker scored for the Burnley Football Club U23 team as they played to a 1-2 victory over Birmingham City.
The club’s match report said, “The young Clarets consolidated fourth place in Premier League 2 Division 2 with a superb comeback win, after trailing at half-time, fine goals from Ne-Jai Tucker and Michael Mellon extended their unbeaten league run to seven games.
“Michael Jackson made two changes from the side that lost to Everton in the Premier League Cup last week. Bobby Thomas returned to the side at Liberty Way after suspension and captained the side. Sam Waller was back in goal.
“Mellon had an early chance to add to his tally but his forceful shot was well blocked by Birmingham’s skipper Mitchell Roberts.
“Anthony Glennon tried his luck from 25 yards on the half hour but ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Oliver Basey saved well.
“But Steve Spooner’s side took the lead in the 33rd minute with their first attempt on goal. Waller saved well from former Barcelona junior Oriol Soldevila but striker Kieran Wakefield was on hand to bury the rebound. Burnley’s appeals for offside were in vain. Spooner was an ex-team mate of Burnley boss Sean Dyche at Chesterfield.
“Michael Jackson’s side went close to an equaliser just before half-time. Owen Dodgson’s effort from Mellon’s cut back was comfortably saved by Basey.
“Despite having most of the chances, the Clarets trailed at half-time and their six-game unbeaten league run appeared to be in danger.
“A familiar name was introduced from the Birmingham City bench before the hour when 16-year-old Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of former City and England midfielder Jude, replaced scorer Wakefield.
“Burnley drew level after 62 minutes with a classy goal from Ne-Jai Tucker. He collected the ball outside the box before dribbling past two defenders before finishing left footed into the top corner for his fifth goal of the campaign.
“Fourteen minutes later the Clarets got a winner with a fabulous team goal. Mark Helm played a short free-kick to Tucker whose ball set Dodgson free on the left. His low, hard cross was converted by the in-form Mellon.
“Burnley were on top and held on to their advantage against the bottom club, Mellon’s winner was his 14th of the campaign at all levels.
“Next up for Burnley is a clash with top of the table Fulham at Leyland next Monday [7pm].”
