Burnley make big splash to dampen Howe’s birthday bash
BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe endured a miserable 40th birthday as former club Burnley continued their fine away form with a 2-1 win at the Vitality Stadium.
Howe would have been hoping to mark the milestone by seeing his resurgent side extend their unbeaten run to four games, but the occasion was ruined by goals either side of half-time from Clarets duo Chris Wood and Robbie Brady.
Josh King halved the deficit to set up a tense final 11 minutes, however it was a deserved victory for Sean Dyche’s visitors and they have now recorded 14 points on the road this season, equalling their record tally in a Premier League season.
Howe, who left the Cherries for Burnley in January 2011 before returning to Dorset in October of the following year, chose to make one change from the team which earned a goalless draw at Swansea on Saturday, recalling captain Simon Francis after suspension in place of Adam Smith.
Burnley boss Dyche, meanwhile, brought full-back Phil Bardsley in for the injured Matt Lowton and opted to drop Ashley Barnes to the bench in favour of Wood.
Burnley took a deserved lead eight minutes before the break.
Republic of Ireland winger Brady caused problems down the left wing before his cross-shot deflected off Cherries defender Steve Cook to leave Wood with a simple tap-in.
Brady made it 2-0 on 65 minutes, curling a superb strike beyond the reach of Asmir Begovic and into the top corner.
King ensured a lively end to the game when he poked the ball into the top left corner from close range.