03/12/2024 12:33
Having seen off Swansea, Bristol City and Coventry in the previous four three games, the Bristol Street Motors-backed side headed for the Potteries eager to maintain the run of form that had followed on from a spell of four games without a win.
Despite being down in the mid-table battle, Stoke arguably had the better of the early chances at the Bet365 Stadium and could have taken the lead early on had James Trafford not been alert to keep out an effort from Ben Wilmot.
The first half would see both sides have chances in front of goal but neither Trafford nor his opposite number Viktor Johansson were forced into a serious save before the break.
The breakthrough eventually came seven minutes into the second half when Burnley grabbed the lead.
A cross from the right from Connor Roberts was touched back across goal by Josh Laurent, leaving veteran Jay Rodriguez with simple task of knocking the ball into an empty net.
Once ahead, Burnley were able to control the game and continued to create the better chances in front of goal, although it would take until twelve minutes from the end for the second goal to arrive.
Josh Cullen drove forwards into the box and when he was tripped by Tatsuki Seko for a penalty, captain Josh Brownhill stepped up to fire the ball into the net and secure the points.
Burnley now sit second in the standings, two points behind Sheffield United ahead of Friday’s game with Middlesbrough.
Elsewhere, the draw for the FA Cup third round has thrown up an away tie with Reading, which will take place on 11 January at the Madejski Stadium