Match Report: Boro 1 Burnley 2

Two goals from Premier League-bound Burnley saw Boro beaten for the first home league match under Michael Carrick.

Chuba Akpom’s penalty had levelled the score following a controversial opener from Ashley Barnes but Connor Roberts’ close-range finish handed the Clarets an away day victory, sealing their return to the top-flight.

Ahead of a bumper weekend of Easter football, Michael Carrick made a solitary change to the side that faced Huddersfield on Saturday, Riley McGree replacing Marcus Forss in attack.

Prior to kick-off, Red Faction paid tribute to Akpom’s incredible goalscoring run with a celebratory banner and the Boro forward almost profited from some lapse Burnley defending in the opening minutes. Aaron Ramsey led the high press, forcing a mistake from Ian Maatsen, but Akpom’s pass fell behind intended target Cameron Archer.

And the Teessiders’ harrowing continued to force the agenda with Archer flashing an effort over the top at the end of some good work.

Yet the hosts were left to rue a controversial decision from the linesman, who opted not to flag when Ashley Barnes turned in an initial attempt from Josh Brownhill.

The opening goal though did not deter Boro’s spirits, Akpom curled over at the end of some neat play and McGree saw a shot charged down.

The league leaders did have a chance to double their advantage but Darragh Lenihan did enough to offset Nathan Tella’s low drive.

When shipping the first goal, Boro have picked up more points than any other Championship outfit and that was very much the message from Carrick as his side searched to unlock the Burnley backline with a period of sustained pressure.

A fizzed delivery from Ryan Giles was spilled by Arijanet Muric with no one in red able to turn home before Ashley Barnes tested Zack Steffen in first-half stoppage time.

Straight from the re-start, Carrick’s men carved out another opportunity for Akpom. And while his first attempt was saved, the forward was presented a chance for his 27th of the season from the penalty spot, Archer felled in the area by Josh Cullen.

From 12 yards the Championship’s leading marksman made no error, powering the ball into the bottom right corner, beyond the reach of Muric.

After Barnes failed to keep an effort down, a revitalised Boro went close to turning the game on its head, Muric getting down well to deny Ramsey.

Just before the hour mark, Boro were again appealing for a penalty as Archer went down under a challenge from Brownhill but referee Darren Bond instead gave the decision the way of Burnley.

And in the 66th minute, the Clarets re-took the lead, Connor Roberts latching onto the end of Tella’s low cross.

In response, Carrick turned to the bench. Matt Crooks first entering the fray for Cameron Archer and later Marcus Forss was introduced in place of Hayden Hackney.

The changes prompted a renewed vigour to Boro’s play and the Teessiders continued to press for a second equaliser.

Yet the Clarets, knowing three points would seal a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, were hesitant to let the game flow.

In the final minutes of six allocated, Akpom rose highest to meet McGree’s inviting cross but the header fell just off-target.