Monday, 21 April 2014

Burnley 2 - Wigan 0: Sean Dyche's men back in the big time #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

BURNLEY are back in the big time.

  burnleyBurnley will be playing in the Premiership next season[GETTY]
Four years since they returned to the Championship after a solitary season in the top flight, they can plan for Premier League action again.
Fittingly, Sean Dyche's side sealed a promotion that could be worth £120m to the Lancashire club with one of their most convincing performances of the season.
And, while they will have to invest a chunk of their windfall in new players to compete at a higher level, Dyche will not easily ditch the players who have taken them there.
Last night, Dyche steered clear of the challenge that lies ahead.
He said: "Before you ask me about being written off next season, can we just enjoy today. That would be brilliant, if possible.
"It feels marvellous. We have reached our destination at the end of a long journey, an impressive journey by a group of players totally committed to to standing the test of this season.
"I was promoted four times as a player and I know what it feels like and what it means and, as a manager, it's also an incredible feeling, especially so early in my career.
"I'm still learning, still developing, so to guide a group to this achievement is a great feeling. To have 89 points with two games to go is a surprise, but we have been competitive in every game and that is not a surprise.
"We couldn't guarantee anything three days before the start of the season when Charlie Austin was sold. But I am proud of everything these players have done and everything they have given."
 sean dycheSean Dyche was thrilled with his side's achievement [GETTY]
We have reached our destination at the end of a long journey
Sean Dyche
There were plenty of nerves at the start from Burnley, whose only defeat at Turf Moor this season had come in their last two home games.
But, once they settled down after opening quarter of an hour, they dominated the half and could have emerged with more than the two goals they scored.
Only a fine clearance by James Perch had prevented Scott Arfield sliding in Kightly's cross before another right-wing move brought the breakthrough after 22 minutes.
Dean Marney was the creator with a well-judged cross and Barnes showed excellent technique to sidefoot past goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.
Wigan were fortunate to escape further punishment in the next few minutes when Arfield and Barnes both went close to a second goal before Kightly scored it after 43 minutes.
The winger responsible for their winner at Blackpool produced another fine finish when he whipped in a free-kick which curled inside the far post.
Wigan's only threat of the half came from striker Marc Antoine Fortune when he glanced a free-kick against the post in the 32nd minute.
It was 45 minutes which meant Rosler's half-time changes were inevitable. He sent on Callum McMananam and Rob Kiernan and alter his formation to give Fortune more support.
It gave them a sharper edge, but Kightly was still the game's most incisive individual and was inches away from a 50th minute goal with a well-struck attempt from 25 yards.
Barnes was also close to another goal with an 80th minute volley as Burnley stayed in calm control until the final whistle signalled their return to the top flight.
Wigan still look certain to finish in the play-offs, but Rosler should be disturbed by this lacklustre show.

No comments:

Post a Comment