Bafana’s Lyle Foster and Burnley march into FA Cup quarterfinals after dramatic late victory.
After playing his part in the Fourth Round replay win over Ipswich Town by setting up Nathan Tella’s first in the 2-1, Foster was handed his second Clarets start on Wednesday night as they lined up against League One outfit, Fleetwood Town.
After a short prayer on his knees after coming out of the tunnel, the 22-year-old looked hyper focused in his warm-up – a couple of youngsters shouted his name from the stands, but they must have been just out of earshot.
Wearing the number 12, the Bafana Bafana international at times seemed to sit slightly deeper than fellow attackers, Michael Obafemi and Anass Zaroury, but all three worked hard to enact a high press on the Cod Army as they tried to impose themselves early doors.
Foster didn’t have too much of the ball in the opening stages, but showed his desire to impress after a loose touch set the visitors on the attack – he chased back determinedly and shut down the threat, an action that was met with a loud round of applause by the Burnley faithful.
Soon afterwards he had the first real chance of the game, using his strength and pace to break free on goal, but his effort was straight at Jay Lynch and the opportunity to bag his first goal in England was missed.
The hosts had all the ball but Scott Brown’s side stood firm – however a straight red card for Cian Hayes in first half stoppage time meant they’d be in for a long second 45.
Burnley had to be patient against a Fleetwood rearguard that has often had to play with their backs against the wall, they weren’t giving much away – however Foster managed to find a bit of space in the box just before the hour-mark, and beat the goalkeeper with his effort, only to see it cleared by the defence.
The former Orlando Pirates starlet showed good movement at times, but couldn’t quite make it stick when the ball came to feet. It’s something that will come with time and experience in his new environment.
Another half chance fell his way in the final 15 minutes, but it was well defended by the visitors as they did enough to put him off his header and it was dealt with.
Moments later the South African was involved again, timing his run to perfection, but there was nobody to get on the end of his cutback and another Burnley opportunity was squandered.
It was to be his last act of note as he was replaced for the final 10 minutes or so, receiving an ovation from the crowd and a pat on the back from Vincent Kompany.
Fleetwood’s defensive line had held so strong for so long, but the pressure eventually became too much and they could only watch after a scramble in the box was poked home by substitute Connor Roberts.
It was enough to get the job done, and saw Foster and his teammates march on into the last eight.
The striker finished the game with a 100% tackle success, 81% pass completion and 100% dribble success. His wait for a goal goes on, but the quarterfinals of the oldest football competition in the world beckons.
Story by Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann), from Turf Moor.
