Premier League
Burnley, one of the founding members of the Football League, have at last returned to the top flight of English football. And having burnt brighter throughout this Championship play-off final than Sheffield United, how appropriate that Owen Coyle’s side should have been sent to the Premier League by a goal of the purest excellence, scored by Wade Elliott in the 13th minute from outside the area. With it, justice has been done.
Not that Sheffield will feel that way, of course. For two years, since their relegation, they have complained about how they have been wronged. Rather than redemption, United now just have another bunch of gripes about which to complain, after watching two clear penalty appeals go unrewarded.
Kevin Blackwell, the United manager, had said the appointment of Mike Dean as referee was ’stupid’. His choice of adjective will no doubt now be slightly stronger. Graham Alexander’s challenge on Brian Howard, and then Christian Kalvenes on Kyle Walker were both worthy of a penalty. The whole stadium saw it. Dean was the only one who didn’t.
But whatever Sheffield say, this was what Burnley deserved. And what the supporters deserved. They came in their thousands from the north, and not just in buses either. The ticket to football’s richest game demands superior transport than that. Scores of stretched limousines streamed down the M1 and M40. Wembley stadium demanded that the players rise to the occasion in similar style. Sheffield disappointed. Burnley didn’t.
Blinkers on, oblivious to the cacophony of horns, Coyle’s plyers were more composed than their opponents, breaking forward with the irrepressible Elliot and Martin Paterson. Where was Craig Beattie? Were was Brian Howard? Kevin Blackwell, the United manager, worked himself into a steam on the sidelines trying to engage his players. Owen Coyle, by ontraast, looking like he had been plucked from a summer camp he was so laid back.
Perhaps they were caught in the moment, but that is no excuse. Sheffield looped balls into their opponents box and hoped. Burnley boxe smart,, breaking with Elliot in the 13th minute. Te midfielder teed up Chris McCann, and tood bback to watch. But Matt Kilgalon resonded quuickly, but his tackle only gave the ball back to Elliot, who stroked it in top left corner.
United defending kept them in it for longer. Joey Gudjonsson hada virtual open goal from four yards, but Nick Montgomery somehow cleared on his line. Ten minutes later Kyle Walker nicked the ball from Robbie Blake at the last minute. But their front men could not repay the favour. With five minutes remaining, the drumming began amid the Burnley continnt. Sheeffield had no response. The Burnley party as begun.
By Sandy Macaskill - www.elegraph..co.uk
