Burnley took a giant stride towards automatic promotion to the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Watford at Vicarage Road on Friday night.
Goals from Zian Flemming and captain Josh Brownhill cancelled out Mamadou Doumbia’s early opener for Watford, as the Clarets extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 30 Championship matches — equalling a club record and becoming only the second team in the league’s history to achieve such a feat in non-playoff games, after Reading.
The win lifts Scott Parker’s side three points clear at the top of the table, ahead of Leeds United’s late fixture against Oxford United, and leaves Burnley potentially just one game away from sealing their Premier League return — with third-placed Sheffield United visiting Turf Moor on Monday.
Drama and Discipline at Vicarage Road
In front of a crowd of 20,523, Watford got off to a dream start as Doumbia rose highest in the eighth minute to head in Rocco Vata’s pinpoint cross, putting the Hornets 1-0 ahead and ending Burnley’s chance of matching the all-time English clean sheet record.
Burnley, stunned but not shaken, began to dominate possession. While Flemming squandered a couple of first-half chances, it was goalkeeper James Trafford who kept them alive with a string of brilliant saves, including a breathtaking fingertip stop to deny Edo Kayembe.
Moments later, Burnley capitalised. Jaidon Anthony whipped in a cross from the left and Flemming, making no mistake this time, headed home the equaliser in the 43rd minute to send the teams level into the break.
The second half saw Burnley turn up the heat. A crisp move down the right flank culminated in Hannibal Mejbri setting up Brownhill, who headed home his 14th league goal of the season in the 58th minute.
Watford’s Meltdown
Watford’s hopes of a comeback were dashed just moments later. Captain Moussa Sissoko was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, and Edo Kayembe followed suit nine minutes later, reducing the hosts to nine men with over 20 minutes left on the clock.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Watford continued to show spirit, with substitute Vakoun Bayo and Ryan Andrews coming close to an equaliser. But Burnley’s defence, led by a heroic performance from CJ Egan-Riley and more heroics from Trafford, stood firm.
Post-Match Reactions
Watford boss Tom Cleverley acknowledged his side’s first-half brilliance but lamented the indiscipline that ultimately cost them the game.
“Barring an amazing save from Trafford, we’re 2-0 up at half-time and in control,” he told BBC Radio 3CR. “That 20-second moment changed the game — from nearly doubling our lead to being pegged back 1-1.”
“I’ve no complaints about the red cards — we shot ourselves in the foot. It’s something we need to learn from.”
Burnley head coach Scott Parker, meanwhile, praised his players’ resilience and mentality.
“We came here for three points and got them,” Parker said. “There’s quality in this team, but also a mentality that’s so important at this stage of the season.”
“Watford are a good side, and Tom’s doing a great job. This was a tough game, but we addressed it well. Now all our focus is on Sheffield United — our biggest game of the season again.”
What’s Next?
Burnley will now prepare for a potential promotion-clincher on Monday at home to Sheffield United. Watford, now down to 12th in the table, will look to regroup and finish the season on a stronger note.
