Latics striker shows plenty of promise

IMPACT: Jonson Clarke-Harris scored twice for Athletic in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley’s development squad.

JONSON Clarke-Harris was the star of the show as Athletic were beaten in a thriller against Burnley.

Taking them on behind close doors, what was effectively a reserve-team line-up squandered a 4-1 lead to lose 5-4 to Burnley’s development squad.

The late collapse - they let in four goals in the final 15 minutes - took the shine off what had up to then been a highly promising performance with Clarke-Harris the star.

Twice the teenager - 19 on Saturday - smashed home low-angled drives from the edge of the penalty area with his left foot in the opening period. His deft through-ball also set up a first-half goal for strike partner Adam Rooney.

Following a promising show against Dinamo Bucharest, the impact the powerful ex-Peterborough and Coventry prospect has had in training and in friendlies will be giving manager Lee Johnson food for thought.

After half-time Latvian centre-back Edijs Joksts — whose signing the club hopes to complete soon — slotted home a rebound to put Athletic 4-1 up after Clarke-Harris had again gone close, his free-kick beaten out by the Clarets goalkeeper.

But Athletic’s late collapse will be of concern ahead of the next friendly, at home to Macclesfield on Saturday (3pm).

Italian newcomers Matteo Piciollo and Erik Laghigna both featured in the Burnley game, as they had at Curzon Ashton on Monday night.



THE CHADDERTON Road Stand will be closed for Saturday’s first home pre-season friendly, so further testing can take place on replacement turnstiles. All fans are to pay at the turnstiles

The stand will reopen for the pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town on July 27.