Reserves League Round-Up This Week

Burnley have been way behind in their second-string campaign all year and they had to extend their season by a week to fit in their final game, played at their home venue of Accrington Stanley against an Accrington Stanley side that were also at home but away to the Clarets who were at home. The Burnley goals, in a 3-2 win, scored by Wes Fletcher, Alex MacDonald and Dominic Knowles.

Despite being in the same region Morecambe, who won the west division, faced best overall runners-up Manchester City in the Pontin's Holidays League Play-Offs Semi-Finals. First half goals from Robbie Mak and Andrew Tutte for the Citizens securing the victory despite a late consolation goal for the Shrimps scored by Aaron Taylor.

Forest, who won the central division, defeated Hartlepool, who were successful in the east, 3-1 in a home fixture for the Cleveland club played at Billingham Town. Matt Thornhill gave the visitors the lead just after the half-hour mark, with Mark Byrne then doubling the advantage for the Tricky Trees on 70 minutes.

Ben Clark pulled a goal back for Hartlepool ten minutes later but Forest made sure of the win when Felix Bastians netted with just two minutes to go. The Manchester City v Nottingham Forest final may be played next week but with the season already finishing so late due to the poor weather it will more than likely be contested as a 2008-09 pre-season fixture.

In other Pontin's news, Wrexham, who did play in Carlisle's west divison, will not be fielding a reserve team next year. Red Dragons boss Brian Little, upon his side's relegation out of the Football League and into the Blue Square Premier, commenting on the decision :

"When you look at the timing of reserve team games we feel we need to be more in control of ourselves. We have found ourselves playing reserve game 24 hours before or after first team matches - times we could have done without games."

The division will be down to ten teams next season as Chester have also joined their near neighbours in deciding to scrap their reserve side in the 2008-09 campaign, City boss Simon Davies saying :

"We will be running a young squad next season, and be playing in the FA Youth Alliance again, but for reserve team fixtures we will meet other clubs in friendly matches which we consider to be a better option."


Final result in the division this week :

Burnley 3-2 Accrington Stanley (Wed, 7pm)

Pontin's Holidays League Play-Offs Semi Finals :

Hartlepool United 1-3 Nottingham Forest (Wed, 2pm)
Morecambe 1-2 Manchester City (Wed, 7pm)


Reserve Team Results : Click here


Reserve Team Table : Click here