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Clarets boss reflects on dramatic ending at Turf Moor

2025-01-17T23:54:00.190Z

PARKER SPEECHLESS FOLLOWING TRAFFORD HEROICS

Clarets boss reflects on dramatic ending at Turf Moor

2025-01-17T23:54:00.190Z

Clarets boss reflects on dramatic ending at Turf Moor

Head Coach Scott Parker admitted he had 'no words' to describe James Trafford's two penalty saves in the 87th and 96th minute at Turf Moor on Friday night against Sunderland.

The Clarets had chances to steal a winning goal, before the Black Cats were awarded two late penalties in the final stages, where Trafford stepped-up and made his mark in a night that everyone at the game will remember for a long time.

Speaking post-match, Parker had high praise for his goalkeeper and says he and the team 'owe one' to Trafford, following his match saving moments.

“There's no words really to be honest that can describe what he's just produced there tonight. I've been involved in some games in my time, obviously, but I don't think I've ever been involved in a game like that one.

"The fella who took both the penalties, they're very good penalties by the way and Trafford's flown across his goal. The work that the guys have done, the coaches, Trafford's world of diligence, what they've gone through in terms of prepping yesterday and understanding it.

“I thought everything about him in terms of them big saves. We owe one tonight to Trafford, really. It was fantastic for him."

Parker added: “It's a massive point for us in the end, I think on the scheme of where the game was and the dynamics of the game, really. I think you're coming away, it's a huge point for us.

“Two penalties, this game could look very, very different if it weren't for James Trafford and the saves he's made tonight.”

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There was nothing to separate the two teams in a tight contest against the promotion-chasing Black Cats and Parker was pleased with his side's overall performance.

“I thought first half we were very, very good. I thought we came here with a real intent about us first half, really took control of the game, showed an impetus about us and intent about us, had a few decent chances and really looked like the side with a real intent about us. Obviously, we're playing against a very good side.

"I think it's fair to say second half, the game swings a little bit and becomes a little bit more end-to-end and Sunderland obviously come at us a little bit and we struggled in certain moments.

“We need to look at that and review why that is, but overall I'm pleased because of the way the game panned out. This could easily, there's no denying, this could easily have been no points tonight.

“Two penalties, you don't expect, all of us sitting here, you said a game of football had two penalties in it. You wouldn't expect to be coming out with points, really. Still unbeaten and still looking to keep that going.”