WANDERERS Under-18s returned to action after the Christmas break with a 4-1 defeat at home to Burnley.

The visitors started the U18 Professional Development League clash the brighter with long balls forward pinning Nicky Spooner’s young Whites in their own half.

And on six minutes, the Clarets took the lead after their early pressure forced a corner.

Wanderers responded well and began to take control of possession and looking to create chances, and Matty Barnes was unlucky not to score from a Luca Navarro cross.

Burnley were still looking to hit them on the break and extended their lead when another long ball over the top caused confusion between the defence and goalkeeper, with the home striker chipping the ball into an empty goal.

Again, the young Whites bounced back and halved the deficit on 40 minutes when Ronan Darcy finished off a good move.

The second half mirrored the first with Wanderers having more of the ball and Burnley looking to hit them on the counter or score from set-plays.

On 50 minutes Wanderers gave away possession in their own half and Burnley scored on the break.

Then, as they pushed to get back in the game they conceded a fourth from a long throw.

Spooner’s charges will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when they travel to Hull City, kick off noon.