Late penalty gives Burnley the edge

A dramatic late penalty gave Burnley the edge in their Championship play-off tie as they secured a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor. Graham Alexander stepped up to score from the spot for Burnley after Reading defender, Andre Bikey, had hauled down Steven Thompson.

The goal gives Burnley a slender lead going into the second leg in what was an otherwise lacklustre match. Reading played out of their skins and probably should have won the game at a canter. The Royals dominated large periods of possession but could never seem to find the cutting edge in the final third.

To make things even worse for Reading Bikey was then later sent to the showers early after he was sent off for a stamp on Robbie Blake. The frustration was all to clear to see on Reading faces as they battled so hard but could not quite get their noses in front. Combined with the inability last week to secure an automatic promotion spot, Steve Coppell’s men now have their work cut out if they are going to make the play-off final at Wembley.

This match was similar to the Preston North End v Sheffield United encounter in the respect that it was so obvious what was at stake for both sides. As these stakes are so high neither team wants to go out flying and virtually secure the match in the first leg and due to this we are treated to not as great football.

Reading’s new system of 4-3-3 didn’t seem to work. It narrowed the side, as the two players supporting the main striker did not drop off enough to make the team a lot wider. They will have to play more freely in the return leg at the Madejski stadium if they are to overturn this difference and run away with the tie.

The score line really did not reflect the match but now Burnley have a chance to regroup and reorganise to make sure they are a lot more compact. Reading played a good game but it is likely to be even better on their own ground, meaning that Burnley will have to be doubly disciplined to make sure they do not throw away their early advantage.

So far there has been a marked difference between the play-offs this year and the play-offs last year. Last year it seemed that the sides were a lot more willing to play expansive and attacking football in order to get a big advantage moving into a second game. The stakes are similar to last year, if not slightly bigger, so there is a slight understanding for more caution this time round.

However, both Championship play-offs are fascinatingly poised. It really is difficult to call at this stage but it would not be a surprise in the slightest if the finalists for this season are decided by the medium of extra time or penalties. Burnley will be happier of the pair so far but Reading are by no means out of it and showed how dangerous they can be at key times.