Burnley Held to Goalless Draw by Middlesbrough

Burnley missed the opportunity to move into the Championship’s automatic promotion spots after a goalless draw with Middlesbrough. A win would have taken them into second place, as Sheffield United had earlier drawn with West Bromwich Albion. However, Josh Brownhill missed two excellent chances in the second half, preventing Burnley from securing all three points. Middlesbrough, despite struggling with a poor run of just one win in six matches, moved into the top six on goal difference, above Watford.

Burnley, who had clinched promotion to the Premier League in April 2023, are once again chasing promotion. The Clarets have built confidence on a solid defense having conceded just nine goals this season, the best record in the league. Despite missing a few key players including Tommy Conway and goalkeeper Sol Brynn due to injuries, Boro started with confidence and Tom Glover making his first start since February, stepped up with important saves.

Burnley dominated possession early on but struggled to convert their chances. Brownhill missed a golden opportunity when his shot was blocked on the line by Boro’s Dael Fry and later, after a superb pass from Jaidon Anthony, Brownhill fired over from 10 yards out. Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz tested Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford with a curling shot but neither side could find the back of the net.

Burnley now faces the challenge of becoming more ruthless in attack if they hope to secure automatic promotion. Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick described the game as a “good step forward,” while Burnley manager Scott Parker praised his team’s effort, acknowledging the narrow miss and expressing satisfaction with their overall performances in recent tough fixtures.