Burnley 3 Sheffield United 2

Last updated : 06 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Robbie Blake took his goal tally for the season to 11 with a brace as Burnley pulled off a shock win over promotion chasing Sheffield United.

Burnley manager Stan Ternent dismissed his owns teams hopes of a push for the play-offs although he conceded that on the day Burnley were a match for any team in the division.

"Talk of promotion is a nonsense, I'll just be happy to keep us out of the bottom three," said Ternent Blake put Burnley ahead in the 18th minute when United debutante goalkeeper Lee Baxter allowed a 20-yard shot to slip from his grasp.

A fine shot from Nick Montgomery brought the visitors level before veteran defender Mike Whitlow headed United into the lead in a real end to end thriller.

Burnley were again grateful to the slippery fingers of Baxter when the luckless keeper allowed an Ian Moore header passed him for the home side equaliser.

But the magnificent fist-half entertainment was far from over with Burnley going in front after Mark McGregor was fouled by Chris Morgan allowing Blake to step forward and convert a penalty.

United withdrew Baxter during the interval and they were the better side in the second half despite having Michael Brown sent off for a straight red card offence - a lunge at man-of-the-match Blake.

Burnley were indebted to goalkeeper Brian Jensen who made two outstanding saves from Nick Montgomery and Michael Tonge to guarantee a much needed win.

Stan Ternent said: "We showed a lot character and it was a very competitive and exciting game, the trouble is we need to keep getting the best team out on the field to have a chance and that's a tall order as we are short of numbers."