Westley hat-trick puts QPR winning run to an end in style at Turf Moor
Joe Westley’s impressive hat-trick saw Burnley’s U21s claim all three points against the southern section Professional Development League leaders with an impressive 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Turf Moor.
The R’s had won all five of their opening league fixtures heading into the clash but the Clarets ran out deserved winners in an entertaining encounter watched by supporters.
Striker Westley opened the scoring for the Clarets on the stroke of half time in a sun-beaming Burnley, before firing home his second of the afternoon in the 70th minute. Westley then sealed his hat-trick eight minutes later to seal the victory and grab his 5th of the season.
Deadline day signing Logan Pye was handed his Burnley debut lining up alongside Dan Sassi in the centre of defence.
Will Hugill partnered Jez Davies in central midfielder with Basillio Socoliche, Kian Le Fondre, Lewis Richardson and Westley spearheading the attack.
First Half
After a quiet opening 10 minutes, it was the hosts who carved open the first opportunity of the game when Socoliche’s teasing cross towards Westley at the back post was guided into the hands of Salamon as the unmarked forward couldn’t quite get enough power behind his effort.
That chance seemed to bring the clash to life as only a minute later Rangers had a chance of their own, as the lively Petrie fired a dangerous ball into the area which fizzed narrowly wide away from goal.
Westley was gifted another opportunity to break the deadlock midway through the first half when Socoliche again picked out the striker but again Solomon was equal to his strike from the edge of the area.
But as half time approached, the Clarets did have their opener and there was no stopping Westley this time as the youngster slotted home calmly from inside the area following a good build-up to give the home side the advantage.
QPR looked for an instant response shortly after but Pedder’s effort sailed wide of Charlie Casper’s post with Burnley heading into the break with the lead.
Second Half
The hosts started where they left off and so did Westley, as the 18-year-old came close to adding to his tally after flicking a header just wide of the target.
Burnley were controlling the clash and weren’t far away from adding a second of the afternoon when Westley again linked up with Richardson to feed the latter through on goal before tangling with Shann in the area, but referee Noonan waved away any penalty appeals.
The constant pressure and attacking threat paid off with 20 minutes to play, as Westley then bagged his second of the game after slotting in Socoliche’s cut-back from close range.
QPR’s afternoon got even worse just after the second goal when substitute Kargbo was shown a straight red card for a late rash challenge on Socoliche, who enjoyed a successful afternoon down the right flank.
Westley wanted more though and that’s exactly what he got after heading home a cross in the 78th minute to secure all three points and ensure Rangers suffered their first defeat of the season.
Burnley: Casper, Healy-Byrne, Pye (Tweedy 55), Sassi, Ashton, Davies, Socoliche (Leuluai 82), Hugill, Westley, Richardson, Le Fondre (Masara 71)
Unused subs: Waller, West
Queens Park Rangers: Salamon, Murphy, Shann, Sackey, Hawkins, Ogwuazor, Ifeanyi (Tuck 62), Pedder, Lloyd (Kargbo 59), Bala, Petrie
Unused substitutes: Cant
Goals: Westley 41’, 70’, 78’
