Report | Burnley U21s 2 Swansea City U21s 4
Goals from Liam Smith, Josh Thomas, Mitchell Bates and Ruben Davies secured the three points for Swansea City Under-21s in an entertaining contest against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Smith struck the opener in the 12th minute, but Charlie Adam's side drew level through Deji Sotana before the interval.
A frantic start to the second half saw two goals in the space of three minutes. Thomas got the Swans back ahead almost immediately, but Seb Thompson's thunderous strike minutes later drew the hosts level again.
But a maiden under-21s' goal from Bates, and a tap-in from Davies sealed off the afternoon for the Swansin their final away game of the Professional Development League season.
Three changes were made to the side that played out a dominant 4-1 victory over Sheffield United last time out. Ben Blythe and Tivonge Rushesha came into the side in place of Kai Ludvigsen and Ben Lloyd, whilst Joe Thomas came in for Cameron Congreve.
The fixture marked the third time the two sides had met this season, with the Swans coming out on top in a 5-2 victory at Landore last October, before playing out a 3-3 draw in Lancashire in January in a pair of Premier League Cup contests.
The first opening arrived when Sam Leverett got away down the left, flicking a half-volley goalward from close range, but Clarets keeper Charlie Casper tipped it away for a Swansea corner.
But the Swans began to take a hold on possession and had long spells camped in Burnley's half, and they took the lead with a magnificent goal in the 12th minute.
Azeem Abdulai played in his fellow Scotsman, finding a pocket of space to deliver a perfect cross into the path of Smith, who guided the ball into the far corner for his second goal in Swansea colours.
But Burnley looked to threaten in response. Remy Mitchell denied Joe Westley’s initial attempt before also collecting the rebound.
Down the other end, Joe Thomas saw his shot blocked as Clarets' defender Jack Turner’s quick reaction stopped the Swans from doubling their advantage from close-range.
The hosts had their first clear-cut chance of the afternoon when Will Hugill struck a blistering effort narrowly over, before a quick counter from the visitors saw Josh Thomas’ free header glance over the crossbar.
Westley proved to be a danger to the Swans back line, forcing Mitchell into yet another fantastic save with his feet in what was proving an open contest.
A clever mazy run from Smith to the byline saw him pick out Josh Thomas, but the Welshman fired his shot well wide.
However, the Clarets got back on level terms on the stroke of half-time.
Substitute Deji Sotana’s initial shot was parried away by Mitchell, but Tweedy arrived to slot in the loose ball.
It ensured the first half ended level, but just 42 seconds into the second period the Swans were back in front.
Josh Thomas netted his third goal in two games after drilling a right-footed shot from a tight angle past the hands of Casper.
But the hosts were soon level again as Thompson turned the ball in from Sotona's deflected cross.
The action was sweeping from end to end, and the Swans responded to restore their lead when substitutes Bates found the net minutes after being introduced from the bench.
The former Briton Ferry man chipped his shot following Josh Thomas' initial header but, while Clarets stopper Casper thought he had kept it out, the referee rewarded the goal.
Swansea were starting to pick their opponents apart with ease, and wonderful play from Smith on the left saw the Scot spring Davies free in the middle to finish off the visitors' fourth goal of the afternoon.
Smith had the ball in the net again after Bates' slide-rule pass picked him out driving into the area, but the offside flag was raised in the aftermath, not that it could prevent the Swans claiming another fine victory in this strong finish to the campaign.
Burnley Under-21s: Charlie Casper, Alex Healy-Byrne, Dane McCullough, Dan Sassi (captain), Jack Turner, Joe Bauress, Tom Tweedy, Jezreel Davies, Joe Westley (Deji Sotona 40'), Will Hugill, Sen Thompson.
Unused subs: Harry Moss, Ryan Tioffo, Gabriel Otegbayo, Callum West.
Swansea City Under-21s: Remy Mitchell, Harry Jones (Mitchell Bates 57'), Sam Leverett (Corey Hurford 71'), Tivonge Rushesha, Filip Lissah, Ben Blythe, Joe Thomas, Azeem Abdulai, Josh Thomas (Kian Jenkins 71'), Joel Cotterill (captain) (Ruben Davies 57'), Liam Smith.
Unused subs: Evan Watts.