It's just like Wembley

Last updated : 02 January 2011 By Martyn Biddulph
Chris Iwelumo
Chris Iwelumo - hard working performance
With managerial issues put to the side for the day, the Clarets had to concentrate purely on football matters with the visit of Sheffield United.

Goals from the two Chris', Iwelumo and Eagles, Jay Rodriguez and substitute Steven Thompson contributed to a fine 4-2 win and the perfect response to the 2-0 defeat to Scunthorpe. Four changes were made from the Scunthorpe game, Laws' final game in charge, with Michael Duff, Dean Marney, Chris Iwelumo and Chris Eagles replacing Andre Bikey, Jack Cork, John Guidetti and Ross Wallace.

Burnley began with more freedom and spirit than had seemed apparent in recent weeks, but were hit on the break early on as the Blades took the lead. Lee Grant could only palm Jamie Ward's shot back into the danger zone and Mark Yeates swept the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Soon after, a Brian Easton cross was met by Chris Iwelumo, but the Scot's header was superbly saved at full stretch by Richard Wright as Burnley began to take control.

After a hectic week at Turf Moor the Clarets could have fallen under pressure, but they managed to hit back in style. Chris Eagles has been in fine form off the bench recently and his first start since the visit of Watford in mid-November was a breath of fresh air.

With half an hour on the clock, Eagles produced a moment of class to bring the Clarets level. Graham Alexander's run forward was interrupted in the penalty area but only cleared straight to Eagles 30 yards from goal. The winger fired a low drive to Wright's left, hitting home via the post, 1-1.

A goal before half time to make it 2-1 would have been the perfect end to the first 45 minutes, and surprisingly Burnley were rewarded with two in as many minutes.

Iwelumo met a fine free-kick from Michael Duff with a bullet header into the bottom corner, making it ten goals for his season so far.

Moments later, Jay Rodriguez met a fine cross from Wade Elliott to drive home past Wright and take his personal tally to five for the season so far, 3-1.

The half time mood was a lot better than it had been five minutes earlier, a refreshing change from recent games.

However, Burnley have let slip two goal leads several times this season, including away at Sheffield United, so supporters could've been forgiven for worries that it could happen again.

These doubts were extended less than a minute into the second half as Sheffield United were rewarded a debateable penalty for a trip on Blades' striker Ched Evans, Evans slotting home the resulting kick to make it 3-2.

The momentum swung United's way for a while, but Burnley were able to weather the storm and work their way back into the game.

Iwelumo again came close before his hard working performance came to an end as he was replaced by Steven Thompson.

One negative in some of Burnley's performances this season has been the ability to kill games off, and with five minutes left on the clock they managed to do so. The imperious Eagles beat three defenders before slipping the ball into Thompson, the substitute having the composure to beat sub keeper Simonsen to make it 4-2.

The inevitable chants of "It's just like Wembley" rang around Turf Moor as Burnley moved back within one point of the top six ahead of Monday's trip to Reading.