Burnley delivered another statement of intent in their promotion campaign by seeing off Norwich City in a high-stakes clash at Turf Moor.
A 2–1 victory, earned through early dominance and late resilience, pushed them back to the top of the Championship — and closer to an immediate Premier League return. Scott Parker’s team burst out of the blocks and were two goals to the good by the 25-minute mark. Midfielder Josh Cullen was instrumental in the opener, lifting a delicate ball over the Norwich defence to pick out Hannibal, who calmly slotted past Angus Gunn.
Moments later, a sloppy free-kick from the visitors gifted Burnley a second. Josh Brownhill pounced on the error and teed up winger Jaidon Anthony, whose shot took a big deflection off Shane Duffy before nestling in the net.
Norwich rally, but Burnley hold firm
Despite trailing, Norwich clawed their way back into the game after the break. Jack Stacey capitalised on a flick-on at a corner to reduce the deficit, setting up a frenetic final stretch. But Burnley — boasting the meanest defence in the league — stood tall under pressure to see out the result.
The win moves the Clarets three points clear of Leeds United and five ahead of Sheffield United in third, with just four matches remaining. With 29 games unbeaten, they are now firmly in control of their own destiny.
Goalkeeper James Trafford had his sights set on matching the all-time clean sheet record in the English Football League but was denied by Stacey’s strike. He remains on 28, just one shy of the mark held by Ray King and Jim Stannard. However, Burnley’s defence continues to set new standards — just 13 goals conceded in 42 matches is a record few in the modern era can match.
They now prepare for a pivotal run-in, starting with a trip to Watford before welcoming Sheffield United for a potentially decisive showdown. Fixtures against QPR and Millwall round off a campaign that is shaping up to be one of the most dominant in Championship history.
“Once a goal goes in, it becomes a nervy time. But we are disappointed about the goal, we’ve been superb defensively, but I thought our reaction, and the stadium’s reaction, was really positive… My message is to stay calm, there’s four games left, let’s keep chalking them off.” – Scott Parker
Norwich, meanwhile, are now nine points adrift of sixth place, and with only four games left, their promotion dreams appear to be over.
Site opinion
Burnley are not just top of the table — they’re setting the standard. Parker’s men have shown they can control games and also grind out results when needed. The defence has been exceptional, and while Trafford missed out on his personal milestone, the collective goal remains firmly in reach. If they keep their nerve in the final four games, Turf Moor will be celebrating a return to the Premier League very soon.
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