McCracken penalty save rescues point for U23s against Burnley

Jon McCracken started the first half for City as he meant to go on, punching clear from a dangerous Burnley corner in the 13th minute.

The Canaries looked to exploit the space on the right wing, Ethen Vaughan crossing for Matthew Dennis, who was judged to have fouled the Burnley ‘keeper.

Lewis Richardson saw a shot fly over the bar for the visitors with 21 minutes played, before City attacked the Clarets on the left wing, Rob Nizet’s cross reaching Tyrese Omotoye but the Norwich forward shooting over the bar with an outstretched right foot.

Burnley came closest to their opening goal on the half-hour mark, Ne-Jai Tucker delivering a free kick for Bobby Thomas to head just over the bar.

McCracken then put his head where it hurts, diving head first into a clearance to get rid of a long ball over the top from Burnley.

Marc Richter then punched clear a Zach Dronfield free-kick and the sides went into the half-time break at 0-0.

Tyrese Omotoye and Andrew Omobamidele were replaced by Tony Springett and Jaden Warner respectively at half-time.

Dronfield had another free-kick early in the second half, but it went straight at Richter.

Warner picked up an injury shortly after coming on which forced him back off the pitch, and with no other centre-backs to come on, Dronfield slotted in alongside Jonathan Tomkinson while Jonathan Rowe entered the game.

Burnley had a great chance to take the lead when McCracken brought Richardson down inside the 18-yard box, but Joel Mumbongo saw the spot kick saved by McCracken, diving to his right to keep the scores level.

Norwich City XI: McCracken (C), Vaughan, Omobamidele (Warner 45’ (Rowe 59’)), Tomkinson, Nizet, Dronfield, Khumbeni, Giurgi, Dennis, Omotoye (Springett 45’), Hondermarck

Substitutes: Rose,  Kamara

Goals:

Bookings: Dronfield (45’), McCracken (73'), Nizet (86’)

Burnley XI: Richter, Elva-Fountaine, Nartey, Thomas, Rain, Thompson, Tucker, Gomez, Taranis (Dodgson 65’), Mumbongo, Richardson

Substitutes: L Thomas, Glennon, Goodridge, Barrett

Bookings: Gomez Mancini (50’), Thompson (85’), Mumbongo (90+2')

Goals: