Burnley Battle Through After Extra Time

13/01/2025 13:46 Share

Burnley survived a scare against League One outfit Reading to secure a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Bristol Street Motors-backed side headed into the game as one of the form outfits in the entire EFL, with an unbeaten run of 14 matches and only two league defeats so far this season.

Having also conceded just nine goals in 26 league ties, Burnley made the trip to Reading as hot favourites to progress despite manager Scott Parker making no fewer than ten changes compared to the previous match against Blackburn Rovers.

The visitors dominated the early stages of the game, with Lyle Foster hitting the woodwork and Luca Koleosho also going close.

Reading weathered the storm to keep the game goalless going into the second half and were able to force Vaclav Hladky into action before Burnley finally got the breakthrough as Foster netted from close range.

The home side then drew level however when Lewis Wing let fly from 35 yards out and Hladky made a complete mess of his attempt to stop the shot – which instead squirmed through his legs and into the net.

That saw the game go to extra time, with Zian Flemming putting the Clarets back in front when he turned in a cross from Mike Tresor.

Flemming then netted for a second time despite being on the floor to make it 3-1 and earn Burnley a place in round four and a trip to Premier League strugglers Southampton.