Burnley have edged into the Championship’s top two on goal difference as Michal Helik’s first-half own goal gave Scott Parker’s side a 1-0 win over Oxford United.
It extended the Clarets’ unbeaten run to 18 games and was a ninth straight clean sheet, but Burnley’s goalscoring struggles persisted against a side in the bottom half of the table, albeit one that arrived on a nine-game unbeaten run as Gary Rowett has steered them away from trouble since taking over in December.
Turf Moor had witnessed three consecutive goalless draws before this and the home fans ironically chanted ‘We’ve scored a goal!’ – their first at home since December 21 – after taking the lead in the 33rd minute, even if it was actually Oxford who scored it for them.
Lyle Foster spotted the run of Josh Cullen into the box and the midfielder’s low cross was aimed at Zian Flemming but before it could reach him the unfortunate Helik turned it into his own net.
It was only Burnley’s 37th goal in 31 league games this season. But they were worthy of the lead and the win as, eight days after failing to register a shot on target at home against Leeds United, they created more than enough chances to have made this much more comfortable.
The win put Burnley two points behind Leeds (63) and level with Sheffield United, although both sides have a game in hand.
Elsewhere on Tuesday night, veteran midfielder Jack Colback climbed off the bench to fire Queens Park Rangers to a 2-1 victory over Blackburn.
The 35-year-old former Sunderland and Newcastle midfielder thumped home from 18 yards for his first goal in just over a year as QPR got back to winning ways after two straight defeats.
Michael Frey had put Rangers ahead after only five minutes, but Rovers thought they had secured a point through Tyrhys Dolan’s second-half penalty.
However, Colback’s thunderbolt put a dent in Blackburn’s play-off bid, although they remain fifth, while Rangers are now only three points adrift of the top six.
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