Teenager's Burnley bow cut short by snow

Young Benn Ward went straight into the Burnley Academy side for his debut a week after joining from Hastings United - only for snow to cause the game to be abandoned.
By Steve Bone
Published 24th Jan 2021, 12:55 BST
Updated 24th Jan 2021, 13:00 BST
Benn Ward has swapped Hastings for BurnleyBenn Ward has swapped Hastings for Burnley
Benn Ward has swapped Hastings for Burnley

The 16-year-old midfielder was named in the Clarets side to face Wolves counterparts at the Lilleshall, National Sports Centre.

They played 27 goalless minutes - then heavy snow caused a pause in proceedings. With no sign of conditions improving the pitch became unplayable and the match was abandoned.

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It was a false start to his Turf Moor career for Ward but he will be delighted to have got into the starting XI so soon after his move from The Pilot Field, earning 'well done' and 'good luck' messages from United, his management team and friends and family.

Now he will hope the UK's wintry weather eases so he can play a full game soon.

Ward has made the move to Burnley after impressing in just a few months at The Pilot Field, where he returned after a spell with Eastbourne Borough.

And he is not the only link between East Sussex and the men from Turf Moor - striker Ashley Barnes, whose goal condemned Liverpool to their first home Premier League defeat in more than three years on Thursday night, had a spell with Eastbourne Borough - scoring five goals in eight appearances for the Sports in 2008-09.

It comes as another Hastings star, Davide Rodari, is on the verge of a move to a League Two club.

Related topics:TeenagerHastings UnitedBurnleyAshley BarnesDavide RodariTurf Moor