Scott Twine's goal for Burnley was just his second since his summer move from Milton Keynes Dons for a fee reportedly in excess of £4m.
Burnley's Championship title celebrations were put on hold as they were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Rotherham. The match took an unexpected turn when Rotherham's Shane Ferguson's expertly placed corner caught Burnley off guard and resulted in an own goal by Vininho. However, Burnley showed their resilience when Manuel Benson's sensational curling left-footed strike regained their lead. The game reached its climax as Georgie Kelly snatched an equalizer for Rotherham with only five minutes remaining.
This hard-fought draw means that Vincent Kompany's team, currently leading the league by 10 points over second-placed Sheffield United, need just one more victory to secure the title. With only four games left to play, the Clarets are eager to wrap up their successful campaign.
Rotherham's valiant effort not only denied Burnley the chance to break the Championship record for the most points won in a season but also provided them with a crucial point in their battle against relegation. The Millers now sit comfortably in 18th place, four points clear of the drop zone.
Let's look at how the game unfolded:
Early Opportunities and Nail-biting Moments
The match kicked off with a low sixth-minute strike by Burnley's Connor Roberts, which was brilliantly saved by Rotherham's goalkeeper, Josh Vickers. The Millers appealed for a penalty for handball but were disappointed when the referee waved away their claims. Moments later, Rotherham fell behind when Roberts delivered a looping cross from the left, met by a well-controlled finish from Scott Twine, who scored his second goal for Burnley since his move from Milton Keynes Dons during the summer.
Rotherham had a great chance to double their lead in the 8th minute when Vitinho's curling effort narrowly missed the target. Burnley, on the other hand, felt aggrieved when their penalty appeal for handball against Jamie Lindsay was dismissed. However, Rotherham managed to level the scoreline with a fortunate equalizer from Ferguson's corner.
The first half ended on a dramatic note for Rotherham as their goalkeeper, Vickers, was unable to take goal-kicks due to an injury. Young goalkeeper Robbie Hemfrey replaced him at halftime, making his professional debut.
Second Half Action and Late Drama
The second half started with Hemfrey being immediately tested by Burnley's Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who forced a save with a powerful shot. Hemfrey's heroics continued as he denied Roberts' effort 10 minutes later. Burnley continued to press and came close on several occasions, with Gudmundsson's header and Twine's attempts missing the mark.
It wasn't until the 84th minute that Burnley finally found the breakthrough they were looking for. Benson unleashed a sensational shot to put Burnley back in the lead. However, Rotherham refused to back down and mounted a strong finish. Their efforts paid off when Kelly side-footed the ball home from a Chiedozie Ogbene cross, stunning Burnley once again.
In the dying minutes of the game, Rotherham pushed for a winner with Ogbene and Tarique Fosu forcing saves from Burnley's goalkeeper, Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Manager's Reactions
Rotherham manager Matt Taylor expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, despite the challenges they faced throughout the game. He praised the spirit and determination displayed by his players, acknowledging that they were up against a team with superior quality. Taylor emphasized the importance of the draw in boosting the team's belief and urged for additional support and quality in the upcoming matches.
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, commended his players' efforts and believed that they deserved more from the game. He acknowledged the risk of missed opportunities but remained optimistic about the outcome, as their title hopes remain intact. Kompany applauded the team's consistent performance and exciting prospects for the next match.
With the Championship title still within their grasp, Burnley's focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures. Rotherham, on the other hand, will continue their fight against relegation, drawing inspiration from their resilient display against the league leaders.
Relive Tuesday night's EFL action | Championship table
