Burnley hand Newcastle United reality check in Premier League relegation fight

Burnley’s hard-fought victory against Spurs moved them to within touching distance of Newcastle in the Premier League relegation battle.

Ben Mee’s 71st-minute strike was enough to clinch a crucial three points for Sean Dyche’s side - who now boast back-to-back wins in the top flight.

The Clarets overcame an Antonio Conte side that were flying pre-match after putting league leaders Man City to the sword in their own backyard at the weekend.

Despite looking dead and buried less than a week ago, Burnley again showcased their resilience to go two points behind the Magpies - with a game in hand.

Dyche’s battlers entertain an out of sorts Leicester side at Turf Moor on March 1 in their additional fixture. Depending on results at the weekend, another positive outcome for Burnley could plunge Newcastle back into the drop zone.

The Magpies are in solid nick themselves - Eddie Howe has them unbeaten in six league games - but Burnley’s upturn in form serves everyone on Tyneside a brutal reality check that they are not out of the woods yet.

May 22 is a date that all Toon fans should have in their diaries as Newcastle travel to Turf Moor on the final day of the campaign.

Tensions will be high if that fixture turns out to be a shoot-out to decide which side remains a Premier League outfit next season.