In truth, Burnley never had to get out of second gear to dispatch a Huddersfield side that were thoroughly second best for long portions of the game.
Burnley’s early pressure bore fruit on 18 minutes when the debutant Ian Maatsen lashed home following a slick move.
Some stout defending from Huddersfield, and a fine performance from Huddersfield stopper Lee Nicholls kept the tie at 1-0, however, it should have definitely been more when academy graduate Dara Costello totally miscued a volley under minimal pressure from 12 yards.
The first half finished with Huddersfield coming back into the game, without really threatening debutant Arijanet Muric in-between the posts.
The second half was relatively unremarkable, the only flash point being yet another debutant Scott Twine smashing a trademark free-kick off the foot of the post.
Again, the Clarets dominated for large spells in the second half, but this time, lacked a bit of cohesion in the final third, and much like the hosts, didn’t really threaten with any intent.
A fine passing Burnley performance, with 70% possession, and over 500 passes, the first time Burnley have completed over 500 passes in a game for well over a decade.
Josh Cullen deservedly walked away with the Man of the Match award after dictating the play all game, with notable mentions to Ian Maatsen and Josh Brownhill.
The Clarets started life back in the second tier in emphatic style, and entertain last season’s play-off semi-finalist Luton Town at Turf Moor next Saturday.
Comments