Mark Randall Scouting Report [ Vs Bohemians]

Picture From The FA.com

Mark Randall made his first start for Burnley since joining the club on loan from Arsenal on transfer deadline day, as they took on Irish side Bohemians in Dublin.

Burnley were missing key players, Andy Cole, David Unsworth, Steve Jones, Jay Rodriguez, Alan Mahon and Graham Alexander all sat out the game.

Kyle Lafferty failed to travel through illness and Stan Varga was absent for family reasons.

BOHEMIAN FC:

Brian Murphy, Owen Heary Conor Powell, Kevin Hunt, Jason McGuinness, Mark Rossiter, Glen Cronin, Stephen O’Donnell, Glen Crowe, Chris Turner, Killian Brennan.

Subs: Harpal Singh, Michael McGinlay, Neale Fenn, Paddy Madden, Ryan McAvoy, Sean Byrne, Philip McDonagh, John Paul Kelly, Chris Konopka

BURNLEY:

Gabor Kiraly; Joey Gudjonsson, Clarke Carlisle, Steven Caldwell, Stephen Jordan; Mark Randall; Wade Elliott, John Spicer, Chris McCann, Garreth O’Connor; Ade Akinbiyi.

Subs: Brian Jensen, Jon Harley, James O’Connor, Owen Coyle, Sandy Stewart, Steve Davis.

So to the game, Burnley were the pre-match favourites, but the home side had the backing of the crowd and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute, a 25 yard curling free kick crashed over Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, and off the inside of the post.

But the visitors came right back in to it, former Manchester City left back Stephen Jordan cut inside and curled a left footer just wide of the target, but the end to end football would continue, Kiraly sliced a clearance on the cut up pitch but Bohemians right back Mark Rossiter, fell victim to the pitch and his attempt was gathered easily by the former Hertha Berlin keeper.

He would then be worked again on 31 minutes , getting down quickly and scrapping away Chris Turner’s effort, which looked every bit goal- bound, Stephen O’Donnell then smashed a long range effort but the Clarets keeper pushed it to safety.

As the half came to an end the visitors had created very little, Randall had only a few touches, but Burnley had passed the ball impressively but the lack of creativity was harming the cause.

Half Time – Burnley 0-0 Bohemians

No changes were made at half time, as Owen Coyle looked to keep the shape and try and push for a goal, but after still creating little on a frustrating night, on 60 minutes he made a double change.

James O’Connor > Joey Gudjonsson
Jon Harley > Wade Elliott.

More changes were then made, player-coach Owen Coyle put his boots on, and replaced Mark Randall, the Loanee had a quiet night but the fans stood up and gave a rapturous applause for Coyles entrance, who came on wearing Kyle Lafferty’s shirt.

The Subs ended the momentum of the game which had been an end to end affair, with either side able to sneak a goal, assistant manager Sandy Stewart and first team coach Steve Davis were also warming up and were available for selection.

As frustrations grew Ade Akinbiyi lost his cool in an incident with Glen Cronin in the only sour part of the whole evening, first team coach Steve Davis then came on in place of Chris McCann for the final few moments.

So full time, 0-0 no goals but this was all about Burnley making new friends and giving several players a game that will stand them in good stead in the coming weeks, 65 minutes for Mark, who had few touches but in a sloppy game on a poor pitch, his overall match fitness is coming on, and he could be in line for a start next week.

Full Time Bohemians 0-0 Burnley

Article By – J.Sanderson