David Dunn’s penalty earned Blackburn the local bragging rights and increased Burnley’s drop fears in a controversial 1-0 win at Turf Moor. Dunn converted a 20th-minute spot-kick after Clarets goalkeeper Brian Jensen was adjudged to have tripped Martin Olsson, although replays suggested the Swede was going to ground before any contact was made.

Referee Mike Dean then failed to spot an obvious handball by Rovers keeper Jason Brown as Burnley’s 31-year wait for a win over their neighbours continued.

Burnley’s fans showed plenty of passion, but Brian Laws’ players failed to rise to the occasion and remain three points adrift in the Premier League drop zone.

(more…)

Recently promoted Burnley shocked the English Premier League champions Manchester United last night by beating them 1 – 0.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team were beaten for the first time this season as Robbie Blake scored the first half winner for Burnley, who were indebted to goalkeeper Brian Jensen for saving Michael Carrick’s second half penalty.

Burnley were playing their first home match as a top-flight club for 33 years and marked the occasion with a dynamic display that was too much for lacklustre United.

Ferguson made three changes to the team that beat Birmingham on Sunday with Michael Owen handed a first start after his close-season move from Newcastle.

But it was Burnley, promoted via the Championship play-offs last season, who seized the initiative in the 19th minute at Turf Moor when Blake seized on a half cleared cross and lashed a ferocious volley past Ben Foster.

(more…)

Burnley Football Club have beaten Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final 1 – 0 to book themselves a spot in next year’s English Premier League. Wade Elliot scored Burnley’s goal in front of 36 000 ecstatic fans at Wembley.

The Clarets winger went on a rampaging run from the half-way line in the 13th minute, before unleashing a 25-yard screamer into the top corner.

Owen Coyle’s side had numerous chances to extend their advantage, but they managed to hold out to claim a place in the top flight after a 33-year absence.

Source: burnleyfootballclub.com

Burnley have beaten Reading convincingly on Tuesday night and will play Sheffield United for a place in the English Premier League.

Owen Coyle’s side, aiming to return to the top tier of English football for the first time since 1976, beat Reading 2-0 in the second leg of their Championship semifinal to complete a 3-0 aggregate win.

Two stunning second-half goals from Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson gave Burnley a win that sets up a playoff final against Sheffield Utd at Wembley on May 25.

Burnley had to weather a ferocious opening onslaught from Steve Coppell’s side but always looked the more likely winners as Reading, who have struggled badly at home in recent weeks, failed to unlock the visitors’ resolute defence.

Paterson broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart and former Rangers striker Thompson quickly made sure of victory after Graham Alexander’s penalty had given the Lancashire club a first-leg advantage.

(more…)