TWO GUD FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Burnley 2 Sheffield Utd 0
WES FODERINGHAM’S disastrous dismissal cost Sheffield United dear as two-goal Johann Berg Gudmundsson fired Burnley closer to the title.
The Blades keeper was sent off in the 17th minute following a horrendous mix-up with defender Jack Robinson.
Nathan Tella nipped to seize possession, Foderingham stuck out his left leg and brought down the Clarets forward just outside the penalty area.
Referee Michael Salisbury showed Foderingham a straight red card (above) and Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom immediately took off Robinson and brought on substitute keeper Adam Davies.
The visitors dug in and kept Burnley at bay but on the hour Iceland midfielder Gudmundsson – a half-time substitute – rifled home a superb left-foot shot (top left) to finally kick-start Burnley’s Turf Moor promotion party.
Gudmundsson, who was outstanding, claimed his and Burnley’s second goal in the 70th minute with another clinical strike Vincent Kompany’s side clinched their place in next season’s Premier League with Good Friday’s 2-1 win at Middlesbrough.
They have not lost in the Championship since a stormy 5-2 defeat at Bramall Lane on November 5.
Burnley look certain to go up as champions but for Heckingbottom’s side this was a setback in their bid to join them in the second automatic promotion spot.
The Blades remain a decent bet to reach the promised land without the lottery of the play-offs – they are five points above third-placed Luton and have a game in hand.
The Clarets have been in a league of their own this season but it was not plain sailing after Foderingham’s dismissal.
Even with a raucous home crowd in celebratory mood, there were few chances during the opening 45 minutes. Kompany’s desire to make the breakthrough paid off when Gudmundsson came off the bench and quickly made his presence felt.
Manuel Benson, another half-time sub, went close in the 50th minute.
And 10 minutes later, Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ deep right-wing cross was headed back into the danger zone by Tella and Gudmundsson kept his cool to drill in a superb low shot.
Ten minutes later, he struck again with a sense of déjà vu when another deep cross was not dealt with by United, the ball dropped invitingly to Gudmundsson (celebrating above) and he showed a calm head once again.
It was no more than the Clarets deserved having secured promotion with seven games to spare, and the Championship trophy should soon be under lock and key.