Clarets win at Deepdale

Last updated : 23 April 2016 By The Editor's Chair

Preston North End 0 v Burnley 1

Deepdale, 22.04.2016, Kick-off 19.45

Almost six thousand travelling Clarets’ fans witnessed Burnley’s return to the top of the SKY Bet Championship at the home of Preston North End.

A Lancashire derby game in which maximum points for the Clarets was vital featured an early Joey Barton goal. Barton’s deflected sixth minute free kick was a slice of good fortune for the Clarets in a performance where the margin of victory could have been even greater. 

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Two wins in their final two games, at home to QPR on Bank Holiday Monday and away at Charlton on the final day of the season will ensure Burnley return to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking.

Speaking post match, Burnley boss Sean Dyche commented, “Nothing is done, but that is a big step forward and I am really pleased”. 

“Obviously in the circumstances it’s a big win, but it was also a local derby and a lot is made of that in these parts.” 

“We had to see through all that and control our game and I thought we did that really well. “

“There were so many good performances and everyone played their part. We showed a good mix and the only slight question is the score line wasn’t more because then it could have been a more comfortable night for everyone.” 

“I suspect they might have had more possession than us, but all the chances we created were of a different level.” 

Middlesbrough and Brighton now play twice before Burnley see action again in the televised clash with Queens Park Rangers at Turf moor on Bank Holiday Monday. 

Neither Middlesbrough nor the Seagulls can prevent promotion for Burnley if they can manage to collect maximum points from their final two fixtures. 

Alluding to this Dyche added, “Everyone else can worry about their own business now. We’ll just focus on ourselves and the main thing for us will be re-evaluating this and making sense of it before moving forwards.” 

“We have a 10-day break now, so we have a chance to rest. “We’ve just had three games in six days and physically I felt the lads were outstanding.”

“That’s 18 clean sheets now and we’re top scorers in the division, so that’s a healthy mixture.” 

Burnley with Boyd and Barton both having plenty of possession, the pair soon had the Clarets obtain a foothold in the game.  Vokes and Gray worked well in tandem and Gray in particular was a constant threat to the North End rearguard with his electrifying pace. Burnley went in at half time with just a single goal to show for their excellent endeavour.

The second half started with Preston trying to wrestle the initiative from a hard working, skilful Burnley side. Beckford directed a header over the bar from close range when perhaps he could have done better. Gray slammed an effort against the foot of a post and from the resulting melee Boyd rattled the crossbar.

Ashley Barnes replaced Gray and the importance of a 12th man was seen has the massed ranks of Burnley fans carried their team over the line to a hard earned 3 points as Burnley went to top of the SKY Bet Championship.

Now unbeaten in 21 games, the Clarets are showing the resolve and know how on their mission for promotion and perhaps even the Championship trophy for the winners of the league? (TEC).