Burnley Retain Promotion Push With Unbeaten Festive Run

03/01/2025 14:13 Share

Burnley remain well placed towards the top of the EFL Championship after an unbeaten run of results during the busy festive period.

The Bristol Street Motors-backed side headed into the three games over Christmas and New Year on the back of two successive wins but faced a major challenge on Boxing Day against a Sheffield United side sitting at the top of the table.

Both sides had chances in a cagey first half before Burnley grabbed the lead shortly before the break, with Josh Brownhill nodding in a cross from the left from Bashir Humphreys.

Burnley then went two clear shortly after the break when Zian Flemming fired a free kick into the wall before driving the rebound into the net with the aid of a deflection.

Sitting third in the standings after the game, Burnley then missed the chance to move into the automatic promotion spots in the final match of 2024 as Scott Parker and his side headed to Middlesbrough.

Burnley survived a scare when ‘keeper James Trafford was dispossessed by Delano Burgzorg in the first half, but he was unable to find the target.

‘Boro continued to create chances but Trafford was able to keep the home side at bay as Burnley maintained their impressive defensive record – with just nine goals having been conceded so far in the league.

Burnley could have won the game late on when Josh Brownhill fired over the top, but a point was enough to remain third going into the New Years Day fixture at home to Stoke City.

There, the unbeaten run in the league was extended to 13 games with another goalless draw despite having Hannibal sent off late on, with Burnley moving up into second spot as a result thanks to Sheffield United suffering a second defeat in three festive fixtures.

A busy month follows with four Championship games as well as an FA Cup third round tie away at Reading.