Burnley 0-0 Sunderland: Black Cats hit crossbar en route to point leaders

Championship leaders Burnley moved 14 points clear at the top of the table and extended their league unbeaten run to 18 games with a goalless draw at home to Sunderland.

The result did little for play-off hopefuls 11th-placed Sunderland as they failed to score for the first time in 20 league games, although they had every right to regret their chance when Amad Diallo’s deflected shot hit the crossbar in the 69th minute.

Abdullah Ba had the ball in the Burnley net four minutes from time but was ruled out by an offside flag as Sunderland became the first side to keep a clean sheet at Turf Moor this campaign.

Patrick Roberts and Daniel Neil tested home goalkeeper Aro Muric in an impressive first half for Sunderland, while Ashley Barnes missed two inviting chances for Burnley.

In-form Nathan Tella couldn’t recapture his recent clinical finish for the hosts, and spirited Manuel Benson and Josh Brownhill also missed when well placed after the break as neither team could find of winner.

The Clarets now need a maximum of eight points from their last eight matches to clinch promotion to the Premier League on first demand.

Vincent Kompany’s side are 17 points clear of third-placed Middlesbrough, the team they will visit in their next league game on April 7.

Sunderland remain 11th after the end of their longest scoring streak in second-tier games since 2005.

Tony Mowbray’s side are six points clear of the final play-off position occupied by Millwall, who could extend it to nine points if they win at West Brom on Saturday.

Burnley defender Jordan Beyer told BBC Radio Lancashire:

“We weren’t at our best and it didn’t go to plan, but a point is good against a very decent side. Sunderland defended well and had their moments.

“They pressed us loud and clear. We didn’t always find the best solutions for it, but we still went out and had our chances. We were lucky not to concede because we were sloppy on the ball and invited them.

“We can’t be too sad about that – sometimes it’s just not your night. We have two big games coming up against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. These are the games you play for and we look forward to them. .”

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray told BBC Radio Newcastle:

“The work ethic was amazing. We’re disappointed that we couldn’t take one of the opportunities that came up, hit the crossbar and the offside goal. I felt there was a goal coming but that was not the case and we will take the point.

“I asked the players to challenge themselves and see how good they are away from home against the best team in the league. It was a chance for them to see if they can compete at this level. , because Burnley are going to be in the Premier League.

“The team has to believe they can go anywhere in this division and win – fear no one, play on the front foot, be aggressive, trust your defenders and get the balls to the attackers. If we can add the right players at the top of the pitch this summer, we will be a threat to all teams.”