BUBBLY IS ON ICE
Johann brings title near for birthday boy Vincent
WES FODERINGHAM’S disastrous dismissal cost Sheffield United dear as Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s double fired Burnley closer to the title.
Blades goalkeeper Foderingham saw red in the 17th minute following a horrendous mix-up with defender Jack Robinson.
Nathan Tella nipped in to seize possession, Foderingham stuck out his left leg to bring down the Clarets forward just outside the penalty area and referee Michael Salisbury showed him a straight red card.
Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom immediately withdrew Robinson and brought on substitute goalkeeper Adam Davies.
The visitors dug deep until the 60th minute when Icelandic midfielder Gudmundsson – a half-time substitute – rifled home to finally kick-start the Turf Moor promotion party.
Gudmundsson, who was outstanding after coming off the bench, then claimed his and the Clarets’ second goal in the 70th minute with another clinical strike.
Vincent Kompany, 37 yesterday, saw his side clinch their place in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Middlesbrough on Good Friday.
They have not tasted defeat in the Championship since a stormy 5-2 loss 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 automatically.
The Blades remain a decent bet to go straight up as they lie five points above third-placed Luton and have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Kompany’s Clarets have been in a league of their own this season, but after Foderingham’s early bath it was not plain sailing.
Even with a raucous home crowd in celebratory mood, chances were scarce during the opening 45 minutes.
Kompany also sent on Manuel Benson at half-time and he fired a leftfoot shot into the side-netting in the 50th minute.
Then Gudmundsson’s big moment arrived as Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ deep right-wing cross was headed back into the danger zone by Tella.
Gudmundsson kept his cool to drill home a superb low left-foot shot from 10 yards and Turf Moor erupted.
He struck again with a sense of deja vu as another deep cross was not dealt with by the Blades and Ashley Barnes caused havoc inside the penalty box.
The ball dropped invitingly to Gudmundsson and he showed a calm head once again to drill the ball into the back of the United net.