Supersub Vokes to the rescue

SAM VOKES gave Burnley’s European adventure lift-off after a late leveller against Aberdeen last night.

Sean Dyche’s men saw their preparations for their first foray into Europe for 51 years grounded by a broken down aircraft which delayed their arrival in Scotland.

And they were left plain crazy by the soft-looking early penalty netted by Gary Mackay-Steven.

But substitute Vokes struck in the 80th minute to leave Burnley favourites to progress from this qualifying tie.

The first-leg clash had began badly for Burnley after Nick Pope suffered a serious-looking shoulder injury which saw the England goalkeeper taken to hospital.

Pope was helped off after a clash with Sam Cosgrove in the 14th minute. His replacement Anders in the Premier League but the home side had no inferiority complex at Pittodrie.

Burnley struggled to find any flow with Johann Berg Gudmundsson closest to an equaliser as he curled his shot wide.

But Jack Cork should have hauled the Clarets level on the hour mark.

He met Stephen Ward’s cross but keeper Joe Lewis diverted the ball away. Aaron Lennon’s cross then flashed across goal and a desperate Dons defence manage to scramble it clear.

Aberdeen remained a threat on the break and twice came close to extending their lead.

Cosgrove saw his 54th-minute shot saved by Lindegaard before the Dane kept out Mackay-Steven’s header.

Gudmundsson threatened again before Vokes rescued Burnley by volleying home a loose ball. And Ashley Westwood could have won it late on for the visitors.