Sinclair Brace Sinks Clarets

Emile Sinclair scored his first two goals for Peterborough United as they beat Burnley in an intriguing contest.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson wanted to hit Burnley hard and fast as they’d fallen behind in every single Championship game so far this season, and Fergie wanted his team to buck that trend.

He got his wish as after only three minutes, Emile SINCLAIR, making his first start for Posh, raced on to an excellent Lee Tomlin pass and beat keeper Brian Jensen.

Shortly afterwards, Ben Mee was cautioned for a tackle from behind on Frecklington and from the resulting freekick, Jenson gathered cleanly. Sinclair nearly got a second as his pace got him in behind the defence on eight minutes as he beat two defenders, went past Jenson, but his tame shot was cleared off the line by Mee.

Posh were dominating the early encounter as yet another chance went begging as Ryan Bennett headed Grant McCann’s corner kick over the bar. A clever corner kick routine rarely seen before from Posh nearly led to a second goal as Tunnicliffe was picked out at the back post but he could only direct his header into the side-netting.

Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jenson suffered an inocuous injury after only 17 minutes and was replaced by Lee Grant. Burnley started to get more into the game as time wore on and the physical prescence of both Austin and Rodriguez were causing Posh problems.

Paul Jones had to be on top form after 20 minutes to deny Charlie Austin after a header from Rodriguez at the back post. Rodriguez and Chris McCann were then twice denied by Jones after a poor pass from the hosts set the visitors free.
Jones was called on again to tip Edgar’s header over the bar from a Treacy cross.

Chances came and went for both sides as George Boyd found the side-netting with a 25-yard drive and a Mark Little snap shot went wide for Posh. Burnley’s Rodriguez fired wide of the near post from a Chris McCann cut-back on 32 minutes

Emile SINCLAIR got his second of the game on 38 minutes as he dispossessed a hesitant full-back before racing into the penalty area and slotting the ball into the back of the net.

With Posh looking to go into the half-time break with a two goal advantage, Burnleys former Preston winger Keith TREACY had other ideas as he struck a wonderful long range effort into the top corner, giving keeper Jones no chance.

Half-time: Posh 2-1 Burnley

There were very few chances in the opening period of the second half although Sinclair had the chance to complete his hat-trick shortly before the hour when Tomlin and McCann combined brilliantly down the Burnley right, but Sinclair could only directed his shot straight at Grant.

Sinclair had another chance moments later as he cheekily lifted the ball over the centre-back from Bennett’s long ball before racing clear but he could only direct his shot wide of the target.

Burnley felt they should’ve been awarded a penalty when Rodriguez fell in the box while chasing a Treacy pass. Austin then unleashed a fierce left-footed drive, but Jones was once again equal to the task as he tipped over. Jones was having an excellent game as he made countless saves after Burnley had breached the back four. He just needs to find more consistency and improve his kicking.

Frecklington tested Grant from distance on 64 minutes after a good link-up with Boyd. Sinclair then saw a shot blocked by Edgar after good work from substitute Tommy Rowe on 74 minutes.

Treacy almost snatched his second of the game with a low shot at the near post, but it found the side-netting.

Paul Taylor replaced the impressive Boyd with 13 minutes to play and with Burnley gaining more and more possession, Fergie decided to add more steal to the midfield by bringing on Scott Wootton for the tiring Frecklington.

The fourth official showed there’d be five minutes of added time but Posh were determined to hold on to their advantage and battled bravely to ensure they did. Taylor was booked for time wasting late in to added time before the referee brought the game to an end, much to the delight of both players and fans alike.

Final Score: Posh 2-1 Burnley

Posh: Jones, Little, Bennett, Zakuani, Tomlin (sub Rowe 59min), Boyd (sub Taylor 77min), McCann, Sinclair, Tunnicliffe, Frecklington (sub Wootton 86min), Alcock.
Unused subs: Lewis, Kearns.

Burnley: Jenson (sub Grant 17min), Trippier, McCann, Wallace (sub Stanislas 62min), Marney (sub Bartley 73min), Rodriguez, Edgar, Austin, Easton, Treacy, Mee.
Unused subs: Hines, Amougou.

Attendance: 7,901 (1,236 Burnley fans)

Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com