Vokes helps Burnley close gap on leaders Hull
LONDON: Burnley closed the gap on English Championship leaders Hull after Sam Vokes’ late goal clinched a 1-0 win over their promotion rivals.
Vokes struck in the 77th minute at rain-swept Turf Moor to extend Burnley’s unbeaten run to seven games with his third goal in his last four games.
Sean Dyche’s third placed side are now just one point behind the second tier leaders in the race for promotion to the Premier League.
“Hull are a very strong defensive side with a real depth of experience, but we’ve managed to breach them one more time than they breached us,” Dyche said.
“I’m really pleased. We’re right up there in the hunt, but nothing will be decided yet.”
Hull boss Steve Bruce added: “It’s an opportunity missed for us to create a bit of daylight at the top, but I couldn’t fault the players.”
“We’re still at the top so we just have to focus on that I guess.”
Second placed Middlesbrough are level on points with Hull after ending their two-match losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn at the Riverside Stadium.
Jordi Gomez, a deadline day loan signing from Sunderland, put the visitors ahead in the second half but David Nugent equalised for Middlesbrough 11 minutes from time.
Gary Hooper spearheaded Sheffield Wednesday’s revival with two goals in three minutes as the Owls to boost their play-off bid with a 2-1 victory over Birmingham at St Andrew’s.
The hosts, who suffered their first defeat in seven games, had led with a Clayton Donaldson goal after 39 minutes.
But Hooper’s predatory instincts proved decisive as the former Celtic striker took his goal tally to seven in his last seven games.
Matt Phillips’ 88th-minute strike gave QPR a 1-0 victory over playoff hopefuls Ipswich as the west Londoners enjoyed their first home win under manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Nelson Oliveira’s goal on the hour deservedly stretched Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten league run to 13 matches after a 1-0 win at Leeds.
At the bottom of the table, new Bristol manager Lee Johnson watched from the stands as the Robins claimed a vital 1-0 victory at fellow strugglers Charlton. — AFP