Ne-Jai Tucker and his Burnley Under 23 teammates got their Premier League Cup campaign off to a superb start with a thrilling 3 - 0 win against Sheffield United at Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium with goals from Michael Mellon, Tucker, and Max Thompson.
Sheffield United play their league games in the Professional Development League and Paul Heckingbottom’s side had already won their first game in this competition with a 3-1 win at holders Everton.
Burnley took the lead just past the half-hour mark when Tucker’s precise cross found Michael Mellon at the far post. Mellon’s header gave United goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst no chance for his 11th goal of the season at all levels.
Tucker doubled Burnley’s lead two minutes before the break. A fouled was committed 22 yards from goal and Tucker curled in a superb free-kick that the Sheffield United goalkeeper got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.
Burnley got a third goal to seal the tie eight minutes from time when last season’s top scorer Thompson touched home Jamie Armstrong’s fine low cross.