Burnley seal promotion to Premier League with win over Middlesbrough

Burnley have won promotion back to the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Friday. Vincent Kompany’s side are celebrating an immediate return to the top-flight after claiming a hard-fought victory over the Championship play-off hopefuls which has assured them of automatic promotion from the second tier.

Burnley started on the front foot and it took just 12 minutes for Josh Brownhill’s long-range effort to be deflected in via a clever touch from Ashley Barnes. Middlesbrough were left fuming with the referee, however, as replays showed the 34-year-old striker was fractionally offside but the flag did not go up.

Nathan Tella then missed a golden chance to give his side some breathing space, dragging his shot wide with only Zack Steffen to beat in the Middlesbrough goal.

And it looked as if squandering that opportunity could cost Kompany’s men when Middlesbrough were awarded a penalty just a minute after the interval for a foul on Cameron Archer from Brownhill. Chuba Akpom stepped up confidently and dispatched the penalty to level the score, but Connor Roberts swept home on 66 minutes to secure all three points and send Burnley up.

The win means that the Clarets can officially kick off their promotion party after mathematically putting themselves out of sight of third-placed Luton Town, who can only claim a maximum of 18 points from their final six games.

The Hatters could only muster a goalless draw against Millwall and, although Burnley’s fate of returning to the Premier League was widely expected, they are now 19 points behind Burnley.

It means there is only one automatic spot remaining, which is currently occupied by Sheffield United. Middlesbrough’s chances of catching the Blades has taken a blow after Michael Carrick’s side fell to defeat – they are now nine points adrift of United with six games to go.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.