13 May
Burnley beat Reading for shot at EPL
Burnley have beaten Reading convincingly on Tuesday night and will play Sheffield United for a place in the English Premier League.
Owen Coyle’s side, aiming to return to the top tier of English football for the first time since 1976, beat Reading 2-0 in the second leg of their Championship semifinal to complete a 3-0 aggregate win.
Two stunning second-half goals from Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson gave Burnley a win that sets up a playoff final against Sheffield Utd at Wembley on May 25.
Burnley had to weather a ferocious opening onslaught from Steve Coppell’s side but always looked the more likely winners as Reading, who have struggled badly at home in recent weeks, failed to unlock the visitors’ resolute defence.
Paterson broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart and former Rangers striker Thompson quickly made sure of victory after Graham Alexander’s penalty had given the Lancashire club a first-leg advantage.
