Burnley 0-1 Blackburn
David Dunn's first-half penalty proved to be the winner
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Sunday, 28, Mar 2010 01:45
By Matt Hallam.
Blackburn pushed their Lancashire neighbours Burnley a step closer to relegation with a 1-0 win at Turf Moor.
David Dunn scored the winning goal from the penalty spot after referee Mike Dean had awarded Blackburn a penalty when Martin Olsson went to ground.
Burnley rightly felt aggrieved at the decision as Olsson went down under no contact from Brian Jensen, however, Blackburn were by far the better side in a game where Burnley only mustered one shot on target.
The result leaves Brian Laws' side three points adrift of Hull having played a game more, making their return to the Championship look all the more likely.
Blackburn had the first sights of goal with two free-kicks which were wasted by Morten Gamst Pedersen who could only find the wall with his efforts.
Olsson then had the ball in the net after being played through by Pedersen but his effort was harshly ruled out for offside.
However, Blackburn's early superiority paid off after 20 minutes when Dunn converted a penalty. Burnley rightly felt hard done by though as replays showed Olsson clearly dived as he attempted to take the ball around goalkeeper Jensen.
Burnley fought hard to get back into the game before half-time but Blackburn's defence looked solid whilst Jason Roberts' physical presence was a constant threat for the visitors.
Burnley started the second half on the front foot with Chris Paterson sending in a shot on goal from 20 yards.
Robbie Blake was then sent on to replace Paterson as the hosts continued to search for an equaliser.
Blackburn came closest to scoring the second of the game though when Olsson picked up Brett Emerton's ball into the box and smashed a shot off the cross bar. The ball then bounced on the goal line before falling to Michel Salgado who could only head wide.
Olsson then had another glorious opportunity when he came in from the left to pick up Samba's ball over the top. Jensen made a fine save to deny the midfielder though and keep Burnley in the game.
Burnley came closest to equalising with ten minutes remaining when Danny Fox sent in a low cross from the left which drifted inches wide of the far post after the slightest of touches off Samba.
It was all too late for Burnley though as Blackburn comfortably held on to secure victory.