Burnley Keeper Saves Two Late Penalties Against Sunderland

AFP/APP

London: Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford produced two stunning penalty saves in the final moments to secure a remarkable 0-0 draw with Sunderland at Turf Moor on Friday. The Championship title chasers earned a crucial point after Trafford kept out two penalty attempts from Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor.

The drama began in the 86th minute when Burnley’s CJ Egan-Riley fouled Isidor, giving Sunderland a penalty. However, Trafford dived to his right and denied Isidor’s effort. In injury time, Sunderland were awarded a second penalty when Dennis Cirkin went down following a challenge by Oliver Sonne. Just as Sunderland fans braced for a potential winner, Trafford replicated his earlier save, diving to his right once more to keep Isidor’s attempt out of the corner.

“Two penalties and the game could have looked very different if not for James Trafford and the saves he’s made,” said Burnley coach Scott Parker. “Not many words can describe what he’s produced. I don’t think I’ve been involved in a game like that one at the end.”

The 0-0 draw lifted Burnley level on points with league leaders Leeds, while Sunderland remained in fourth place ahead of Saturday’s fixtures. Burnley’s unbeaten run in the league now extends to 14 games.