Barnes has Burnley in pole position to survive

ASHLEY BARNES’ first goal for 15 months delivered the point that may keep Burnley in the Premier League — but he was lucky to be on the pitch to score the crucial penalty. His spot-kick just before half-time was cancelled out by Emi Buendia early in the second half and puts Burnley above Leeds on goal difference. However, the Clarets were grateful to ref Paul Tierney and VAR for failing to punish Barnes for a clear elbow on Tyrone Mings in the fifth minute. They had to hang on when sub Matt Lowton was shown a red card in stoppage time. It means Leeds will be relegated at Brentford on Sunday if they can’t better Burnley’s result against Newcastle. The Lancashire side know a win will guarantee top-flight football for another season. It would be a remarkable achievement for interim boss Mike Jackson, as they looked destined for the Championship when he replaced Sean Dyche last month. ‘It’s a good point. This is a tough place to come,’ said Jackson. ‘We knew we’d be under the hammer at times. It was an unbelievable performance with regards workrate, grafting, discipline, desire. ‘It wasn’t pretty but those are things you need at this stage of the season. ‘Nick Pope was amazing. He’s done it regularly. We need him. He’s a top, top goalkeeper. He’s in England reckoning on pure merit. We’re lucky to have him.’ Pope was outstanding all night, making a stunning early save to keep out John McGinn’s curling effort — then he denied the Scot with an even better stop later on. Burnley defender James Tarkowski added: ‘It’s been a difficult season. To put ourselves in this position from where we were is a big achievement.’