Clarets boss Sean Dyche was pleased with his side’s resilience after beating Championship leaders Hull City 1-0 at Turf Moor.
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“I have to say on Sone that the last two games he’s played for us (Brighton and Bury in the FA Cup), he’s shown what he’s capable of again”.
After Sam Vokes’ 77th-minute strike halted Hull’s ideal start to 2016 he might not elect for such draconian punishment this time, but the hurt was still evident as his side delivered a below-par display in howling wind and rain, although they remain top of the Championship. It’s been an opportunity missed for us to create a bit of daylight at the top, but I couldn’t fault the players. “I think what we have now is the best manager in the Championship and what Sean and I really want is for him to be the best manager in the Premier League”.
Second placed Middlesbrough are level on points with Hull after ending their two-match losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn at the Riverside Stadium.
“We’re still at the top so we just have to focus on that I guess”.
On-loan Sunderland midfielder Jordi Gomez returned to the north-east to give Rovers a 72nd-minute lead as new signing Jordan Rhodes looked on from the Boro bench.
Heading into the game on a six-game winning run, it’s hard to see past the visitors, especially with Chuba Akpom and Abel Hernandez scoring for fun.
But Hooper’s predatory instincts proved decisive as the former Celtic striker took his goal tally to seven in his last seven games.
Hasselbaink’s team were heading for a ninth home league draw of the season before Nasser El Khayati, a recent buy from Burton, found space on the right of the penalty area and delivered a cross for the unmarked Phillips to head in.
Bolton Wanderers climbed off the bottom of the Championship table with a 2-1 home win against relegation rivals Rotherham United, with Charlton Athletic now propping up the league after they were beaten 1-0 at home by Bristol City.
Mick McCarthy’s side, who recorded a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Reading on Tuesday night thanks to Brett Pitman’s 89th minute victor, occupy the final play-off spot by a single point following their lucky 13th win of the campaign.
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Alan Browne headed a stoppage-time victor as Preston North End came from behind to beat Huddersfield Town 2-1.
