Scott Parker triumphs in the battle of former England team-mates at Turf Moor as his Burnley side edge past Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth courtesy of a Josh Brownhill penalty
There was a handshake, as had been the case 21 years ago. And, just like then, Scott Parker was the happier out of he and Wayne Rooney as they headed for sanctuary.
Much water has gone under the bridge since Parker replaced Rooney to make his England debut in November 2003 and neither of these men would have ever envisaged facing each other as managers in the Championship but here they were on a rainy Tuesday night at Turf Moor.
Burnley edged it, thanks to a Josh Brownhill first half penalty, but Parker would certainly have been relieved that his team were able to get over the line after Rooney’s Plymouth team showed the spirit and tenacity that were a staple of his playing days.
Given the schooling the two men in the technical areas received, it was a sure thing this game would be played in an attractive manner and it was clear to see from an early stage those on the pitch had been well coached. All knew their job, all wanted to get on the ball and pass it.
There was also plenty of discipline in the defending, a determination not to give an inch. Burnley enjoyed more possession and got into advanced positions with greater frequency but they didn’t ever threaten to run amok as Plymouth’s back four stood firm.
Scott Parker earned bragging rights over former England team-mate Wayne Rooney as Burnley defeated Plymouth
Josh Brownhill fired the hosts into the lead from twelve yards after Darko Gyabi fouled Josh Cullen
Plymouth had their chances but the Clarets clung on to remain within one point of league leaders Sunderland
Rooney would have been delighted with what he was seeing, which is why it will have come as such a frustration when Burnley got a cheap opportunity to open the scoring when Plymouth midfielder Darko Gyabi was judged, in the 25th minute, to have fouled Josh Cullen.
Those who had made the 313-mile drive north left referee Robert Madley know exactly how they felt about his decision but the noise made no difference to Brownhill, who calmly sent Plymouth keeper Daniel Grimshaw the wrong way. It was fitting as he was the game’s standout performer.
Parker celebrated with a little punch of the air but this was not going to be a sign that floodgates were about to open. Plymouth ran determinedly all the way to the interval, they just couldn’t get into the areas to wreak havoc.
Had a whistling drive from Jaidon Anthony found the corner of the net in the 58th minute, rather than the crashing against the advertising board, it would have been comfortable for the hosts but, instead, they had to batten down to subdue Plymouth.
Rooney, pacing and prowling, metaphorically kicked every ball as his team hunted an equaliser but the closest they came was a shot from Morgan Whittaker that fizzed over the bar. Better days lie ahead for both teams.
