Full Time: Burnley 3-1 Aberdeen
Burnley advanced to the next round of the UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign after they beat Scottish outfit Aberdeen 3-1 after extra time (4-2 on aggregate) at the Turf Moor on Thursday night.
Coming into the game with the aggregate scoreline tied at 1-1, it took just six minutes for Burnley to take hold of the tie, as Chris Wood struck his first goal of the season to make it 1-0 on the night. However, the Dons struck back to reinstate parity, courtesy of a 27th-minute strike from Lewis Ferguson.
With both teams locked on aggregate and away goals, the game went into extra time. And ten minutes in, Burnley were in the lead, with midfielder Jack Cork firing Sean Dyche’s men closer to qualification. With six minutes left to be played, substitute Ashley Barnes put the game to bed, slotting home from the penalty spot, sending the Clarets to the third round of the qualifiers.
Here’s how the Burnley players fared on the night.
Burnley Player Ratings
Anders Lindegaard – 7/10
Made a good stop from Graeme Shinnie in the first half and made another straightforward save late on with the score at 1-1.
Matthew Lowton – 6/10
Showed good attacking intent and sent in a few teasing crosses as well. However, it was off the pace on occasions.
James Tarkowski – 6/10
The Englishman was given a difficult time once again by Sam Cosgrove but fared much better than how he did last week.
Ben Mee – 6/10
A solid game for the former Manchester City man. A much better performance than the one against the Dons at the Pittodrie. However, he has still not reached his usual level.
Stephen Ward – 6/10
Looked in decent touch for most parts of the game until an injury forced him off the field before extra time.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson – 7/10
Was once again Burnley’s brightest player when he was involved, although that wasn’t much in the first period. Impressive work rate off the ball as well.
Jack Cork – 7/10
The former Swansea City man battled hard in the middle of the park, running around and regaining possession. His biggest contribution came in the form of the headed goal in the extra-time that made it 2-1.
Ashley Westwood – 6.5/10
Complemented Cork in the midfield. Provided a great ball in the lead up to Wood’s opener and kept things ticking before being taken off.
Aaron Lennon – 6/10
Drifted in from the flank a lot but he seemed to be causing much more problems each time he hugged the touchline and stretched the defence.
Sam Vokes – 6.5/10
Very good hold up play and posed a threat in the first period. But he faded after picking up a knock. Unlucky that he did not score.
Chris Wood – 6/10
Opened the scoring with a good strike, but didn’t offer much apart from that. Was subbed off in favour of Barnes.
Substitutes
Ashley Barnes – 7/10
Replaced Wood at half-time. Was a nuisance at the top and Burnley looked much better with him on the field. Sealed the result with the late penalty.
Dwight McNeil – 5/10
On for Lennon in the 87th minute. Didn’t see a whole lot of the ball.
Charlie Taylor – 7/10
Was thrown in for Ward at the beginning of extra time. Was a positive presence, backed it up with a great cross for the second goal.
Jeff Hendrick – N/A
Replaced Westwood close to half-time in extra time. Added fresh set of legs as Burnley looked to protect the lead.