The Swansea City striker struck once in each half to bring to an end the league record equalling run of draws and finally get the Swans the win their endeavours deserved.
It was another accomplished performance from the Swans who were worthy value for their victory with extremely notable performances from Darren Pratley – the new Duracell Bunny – and Mark Gower who set up Scotland’s second with a fantastic run.
Their task was made easier thanks to the first half red card for Michael Duff who hauled back Scotland after the striker turned him at the edge of the area. Scotland himself converted the penalty and the few hundred Swans fans who made the trip to Turf Moor were happy.
Roberto sprung no surprises in his team line up preferring to keep new signing Nathan Dyer on the bench and leaving the Swans to line up as
Dorus
Rangel Monk Williams Tate
Gomez Britton Pratley Allen Gower
Scotland
The Swans – as ever – started brightly and had by far the best of the first half with Dorus pretty much a spectator in the Swansea goal as the midfield – led by Pratley and ably assisted by the excellent Britton and Allen controlled the game. Mark Gower on the left was looking more effective than Jordi Gomez on the right but there was danger all over with Tate and Rangel only too happy to assist the attacks.
Pratley came close on more than one occasion as the Swans took more and more control but it was starting to feel like “same old story” when they took the lead. Scotland turned and got half a yard on the edge of the area only to be pulled back by Duff and the 23-year old referee had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. The inevitable red card followed and Scotland doesn’t need too much convincing to score from the penalty spot.
A quick yellow card for Elliott followed for hacking down Mark Gower and the Swans were excellent value for their half time lead.
The second half was probably not as convincing as the cold descended more on Burnley but there was more than enough to take positives from as the Swans always looked more likely to add to their lead. Rangel and Gomez seemed more in the game with plenty of space on the right hand side whilst the superb midfield was again pretty much in control
Burnely were afforded more possession but there were very few moments of note to worry the Swans faithful as they seemed in total control of the game. Allen was replaced by Dyer who went wide right with Gomez turning into the middle and the Swans all of a sudden seemed a little less effective. But that said it was after the change that the Swans doubled their lead.
Mark Gower worked his way down the left – as he had done on numerous occasions during the game – and as he took the ball to the byline he puleld it back for Scotland who was never going to miss and the Swans fans rendition of “We’re not going to draw” was finally given an airing.
2-0 was pretty much what we deserved and as the final few minutes were played out, the Swans moved back into the division’s top 10.
And long may that continue.
