CLARETS CLASSIC CLASH: READING 2009

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An in-depth look back at a previous encounter between the Clarets & the Royals

2025-01-10T12:00:00.000Z

CLARETS CLASSIC CLASH: READING 2009

An in-depth look back at a previous encounter between the Clarets & the Royals

2025-01-10T12:00:00.000Z

An in-depth look back at a previous encounter between the Clarets & the Royals

12/05/2009 – Reading 0 – 2 Burnley (Madejski Stadium)

Unstoppable strikes from Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson saw the Clarets beat Reading at the Madejski and book their place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

After winning the first leg 1-0 at Turf Moor, Burnley opened the scoring in the second leg early in the second-half through Paterson's long-range effort, before Thompson's goal sealed the visitors' place in the final just seven minutes later.

The victory meant the Clarets would go on to play Sheffield United at Wembley, with the winning side earning a spot in the Premier League...

Reading started brightly in the play-off tie and had their first effort on goal with just 15 minutes played, as Shane Long's strike from inside the area had to be denied by the hands of Brian Jensen.

CLARETS CLASSIC CLASH: READING 2009 - Image 1

Royals defender Michael Duberry then struck over the target from close range, before Wade Elliott connected onto Chris McCann's cross, but the midfielder's effort could only fizz narrowly wide of Marcus Hahnemann's goal.

The hosts were enjoying more of the chances in the first-half, as Dan Harding was next to try his luck, but his free-kick was saved well by Jensen.

With the scoreline still goalless at half-time and the Clarets leading by a single goal on aggregate, the next goal was crucial in the semi-final clash and it proved to set the away side on their way.

Paterson drifted in from the right into a central position, before unleashing a strike from 35-yards out, which curled past Hahnemann and into the back of the net.

Although Reading responded to going a goal down with a triple substitution, it was the Clarets who struck again just minutes later through Thompson's half-volley.

A half-hearted clearance from Brynjar Gunnarsson fell into the feet of Thompson, who watched it bounce, before smashing it home off with a looping effort over the head of a stranded Hahnemann.