PL REPORT: BURNLEY 1 LEEDS UNITED 1

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Late strike denies Clarets first win after Wood strikes landmark goal

2021-08-29T16:08:04.825Z

PL REPORT: BURNLEY 1 LEEDS UNITED 1

Late strike denies Clarets first win after Wood strikes landmark goal

2021-08-29T16:08:04.825Z

Striker pleased with performance but frustrated not to bag the winner with landmark goal

The Clarets put their first point on the board as Chris Wood also opened his account for the season.

Wood’s second-half goal – the 30,0000 scored in the Premier League era – against his former club put Burnley within touching distance of a deserved first league success of the campaign.

But Leeds struck four minutes from time through ex-Clarets’ loanee Patrick Bamford to double their points’ tally and extend Burnley’s wait for a home win.

Sean Dyche’s men are now without a home victory in 12 attempts but another upbeat performance in a cracking Roses clash suggests they are capable of making it lucky 13 as they head into the international break with some momentum behind them.

The two sides had met at the top level for the first time in 44 years last season but with no fans inside either home ground it was a relatively low-profile return.

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This was different, with a raucous Turf Moor loving a passionate cross-county border battle which was full of commitment, full-blooded challenges and will to win.

The only thing missing in a feisty first half was a goal.

The only save of note came from Leeds’ keeper Ilan Meslier, who turned a volley from Ashley Barnes around his left-hand post.

But Burnley were a constant threat from set-pieces and in their most dominant spell before the break saw Johan Berg Gudmundsson curl a shot just wide following another tidy build-up.

Leeds, as ever, were a threat on the break but their best chance came and went when Raphina failed to capitalise on a decent opportunity at the back post as the Clarets invariably made a vital block or interception.

And Burnley continued to force the pace after the break as Dwight McNeil strode forward to drag a shot wide before the returning Ashley Westwood was only inches away from releasing Wood after a wonderful flash of skill from Josh Brownhill.

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Brownhill and Westood typified the Clarets’ worth ethic with a terrific shift in central midfield and Brownhill was next to try his luck from range with a right-footer which skidded just wide.

The outstanding McNeil then teased the Leeds’ defence again before sending a deflected effort bouncing past the far post.

And from that corner the Clarets went in front.

James Tarkowski saw his header from McNeil’s corner hit the bar but Burnley kept the ball alive and when Matt Lowton shot goalwards, Wood stuck out a foot to divert the ball past Ilan Meslier to claim the league’s latest landmark goal. There have been more spectacular ones, but this felt priceless to the Clarets as they looked to return to the winners’ circle.

And even though Leeds belatedly cranked by the pressure, Dyche’s side looked as though they would get there.

Nick Pope had barely had a save to make ahead of his return to England duty but he was beaten by Bamford’s close-range finish as Leeds made the most of a slice of good fortune with a stumble from Charlie Taylor followed by a blocked cross and then a deflected effort which fell for Bamford to prod home.

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Wood looked to respond with an effort saved by Meslier but there was to be no further late drama as the Clarets at least signed off for a fortnight with something to show for their considerable efforts and the chance to go again from here.

Burnley: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson (Lennon 62), Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Barnes (Vydra 78), Wood. Substitutes: Hennessey, Cork, Lennon, Rodriguez, Collins, Pieters, Bardsley, Vydra, Thomas.

Booked: Brownhill, Barnes, Mee, Lennon.

Leeds United: Meslier; Llorente (Shackleton 65), Struijk, Cooper; Ayling, Phillips, Dallas; Raphina, Rodrigo (Roberts 71), Harrison; Bamford. Substitutes: Klaesson, Forshaw, Roberts, Costa, Gelhardt, Cresswell, Summerville, McCarron.

Booked: Phillips, Rodrigo, Struijk

Attendance: 18,665