Burnley made it three wins on the bounce last night, as they beat Hartlepool 2-1 in the Carling Cup.
Steven Fletcher came off the bench to bag a brace, as Owen Coyle’s men fought back from a goal down at Victoria Road.
Coyle made ten changes from the side that beat Everton last weekend, with Andre Bikey being the only man to keep his place.
The changes included full debuts for Fernando Guerrero, left back Brian Easton and fellow defenders David Edgar and Richard Eckersley.
In a lively opening, Burnley’s fringe players created a number of chances, and Jay Rodriguez had a goal disallowed for offside, midway through the first half, after a dazzling run by Guerrero.
Rodriguez had a chance again, minutes later, but his back flick at the near post from Kevin McDonald’s cross was over-elaborate.
The Clarets spurned a number of opportunities before finding themselves 1-0 down, after Adam Boyd reacted first to Andy Monkhouse’s chip into the box, and send the ball past keeper Diego Penny.
Penny was forced into action again, two minutes before the break, as Hartlepool pushed for a second, superbly pushing away Monkhouse’s angled drive.
The hour mark saw Coyle ring the changes, as Martin Paterson and Fletcher made way for Rodriguez and Steven Thompson.
Five minutes later, Chris Eagles made way for Robbie Blake.
The Clarets pressed for the equaliser, and with just six minutes remaining, Fletcher struck to take the game into extra time.
Blake’s long ball was met by Fletcher who took it on his chest, and drilled a left footed shot across Pool keeper Scott Flinders.
Within a minute of extra time, Hartlepool almost regained the lead, as Colin Larkin shot cannoned off the cross bar.
Burnley were reduced to ten men when deubtant Richard Eckersley received his second yellow for pulling his opponent.
Hatlepool failed to make the advantage count however, as Fletcher got his second of the night on 107 minutes, after a mazy run from Paterson set him up to head home.
Final Score
Hartlepool 1 – Burnley 2.
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