Burnley boost survival hopes after Josh Brownhill seals late fightback at Watford

Burnley launched a stirring comeback with two goals in the last 10 minutes earning a priceless victory in their quest to beat the drop. The result condemned Watford to a top-flight record 11th successive home defeat.

Seven points from three previous matches under Burnley’s interim manager Mike Jackson, following the surprise dismissal of Sean Dyche, had lifted the team outside the relegation places and their powers of recovery continued with this dramatic turnaround.

Late goals from Jack Cork and Josh Brownhill effectively relegated Watford and also provided a huge boost to Burnley’s survival hopes, stretching their advantage over 18th-placed Everton to five points.

Burnley were forced into a late change just before kick-off with Jay Rodriguez, injured in the warmup, replaced in their attack by the former Watford forward Matej Vydra. The home side started with a purpose and intensity which was not in keeping with a team on an abject losing run at Vicarage Road stretching back to November.

Roy Hodgson has claimed Watford have been unlucky on several occasions, during their miserable run, but fortune certainly favoured them with the opening goal. Kiko Femenía’s cross was thundered towards goal by Juraj Kucka and the midfielder’s strike cannoned back off the crossbar, then into the net via James Tarkowski.

Burnley were cursing their luck but Watford’s breakthrough was reward for their early intensity which has been sorely lacking during a bleak winter. There was a verve and energy to Watford’s play which bamboozled Burnley in the early stages. João Pedro broke through on goal, following a long punt down the pitch by Ben Foster, but the forward blasted his shot over Nick Pope’s crossbar.

The referee, Craig Pawson, awarded a