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GAME 35: Manchester United v Burnley 28 March 1921

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:06 pm
by mikeS
GAME 35: Manchester United v Burnley, Old Trafford, Monday 28th March 1921

CLARETS BACK ON TRACK

Following Burnley’s first defeat in 30 games on Easter Saturday against Manchester City, The Clarets travelled to Old Trafford on Easter Monday to play Manchester United. On a heavy pitch, ankle-deep in mud in places, Burnley adapted to the conditions better than their hosts. A strong wind was blowing at kick-off and with their backs to the wind Burnley started well.

United forward, Partridge put the ball past Jerry Dawson, but the goal was flagged offside. Joe Anderson, Benny Cross and Eddie Mosscrop combined well and United gave Bob Kelly more freedom than he had in the previous game.
“Kelly played with freedom, swerving, writhing, wriggling through obstacles and jumping over extended feet” said Kestrel of the Burnley News. A minute before the interval Kelly after one of his solo runs was brought down in the United area. Tommy Boyle stepped up and took the penalty and didn’t miss. 0-1 to the Clarets. Half way through the second half, Kestrel, told of a wonderful goal by Kelly.

“Freeing himself from a tackle in the Burnley half, Kelly shook off his pursuers and was well ahead of United’s half-back Forster. After running half the length of the field, he was at an angle to the goal with United’s goalkeeper, Mew, narrowing the gap. Kelly placed the ball between the ‘keeper and post to score a wonderful goal.” 0-2.

Kestrel also praised the Burnley captain, “Boyle was a tremendous power. How he headed the ball as often as he did is a mystery and he was always in the thick of it…”
Two minutes from the end, a Billy Nesbitt cross found Joe Anderson and with a first time shot he scored Burnley’s third goal. Burnley extended their lead at the top of Division One to nine points with seven games remaining.

Final Score: Manchester United 0, Burnley 3.
Att: 30,000


Burnley: Dawson, Smelt and Jones, Basnett, Boyle and Watson, Nesbitt, Kelly, Anderson, Cross and Mosscrop.

Man of the Match - must have been Bob Kelly from Kestrel's report.
GAME 35 after United v Burnley 3-0 clarets.png
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Game 35.png
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