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Apart from one change made to the starting line up, with Chris Iwelumo stepping in for Nathan Delfouneso, the same players that began against Swansea at the weekend were to compete for the 3 points against Middlesbrough. 3 points that were a must. After what seemed a lifetime, due to being in the ground an hour prior to kick off, the referee signalled for the game to begin.
Naturally, I worried that, after the fantastic win on Saturday, the team would revert back to playing with no passion or desire. How wrong I was.
The first half was packed full of fluent football, tenacious tackling and persistent pressing. It had been a long time since I had witnessed Burnley play such lovely stuff. Like most of the season, chances were being created - and plenty too - but not a finish in sight. Until the 22nd minute. After pressure on the edge of Middlesbrough's box, Chris Eagles forced a clever save from Paul Smith and Danny Fox stepped up to take the resulting corner ball. Fox, hitting the ball into the penalty area hard and low, seemed to have found Eagles. However, with an intelligent move and one I've been a witness to before, Chris Eagles drew the defence with a dummy leaving Jay Rodriguez to fire home his 14th goal of the campaign. After finally finding the finish the team were pushing for, the Burnley fans only had time to seat themselves.
Chris Eagles worked hard throughout the game, and this paid off in one of the best goals Burnley have scored this season. Middlesbrough had possession near to the half way line, and through pressure, Eagles pinched the ball before laying it off to the superb Jay Rodriguez. After breaking away on a storming run, with the support of Wade Elliott, Rodriguez overcame the challenges of the 'Boro players. On reaching the edge of the box, Rodriguez then played the ball to Elliott, who still had very much to do. Collecting the ball on his right foot, he showed his skill and trickery, beating the defence and blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
Two goals in just under two minutes, and Middlesbrough were out of sight. On the rarity that the opposition had possession, danger was not a thought that crossed my mind and the chances of them coming back into the game were again made less likely 14 minutes after the second goal. Another corner from Danny Fox, who was impressive throughout, found the head of unlikely goal scorer, Michael Duff, who nodded in at the back post to make it 3. Game over.
Going in at half time, the players walked off to the roars of many delighted fans. Just before the teams came out, the Burnley fans once again showed their support for Gary Parkinson by applauding the tremendous fund-raising efforts that have recently taken place, and made me feel proud to be a Claret.
Middlesbrough were first out of the tunnel, ready for the second half, and proceeded to take the kick off. What impressed me the most last night, was the hunger and willingness to get the ball back when not in possession. They say that defence begins at the front, which by all accounts is how Burnley played last night, and also proving in the last two games to be vital for success. Whilst 'Boro had the ball, the likes of Dean Marney and Jack Cork were there to break the play up and provided security and solidity where it hasn't been for some time. However due to lapses in concentration, and a good piece of football on Middlesbrough's behalf, Andrew Taylor scored what can only be classed as a consolation for the visitors, on the 81 minute mark. From then on, Burnley regained control and saw out the game. On another day, the score line could have read 4 or 5 goals to the better for Burnley, with fine chances falling to Jay Rodriguez, Jack Cork and Dean Marney, but it wasn't to be unfortunately.
With the season drawing to a potentially exciting end, and only 4 games left to play, promotion hopes are still within touching distance. Who knows where Burnley will finish at the end of the season? No one, is the answer. But I have a great feeling that our season will come down to the very last minutes. All I ask for, is continuous replication of the desire shown last night by the manager, players and fans.