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Live Commentary: Burnley 0-0 Stoke City - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the goalless draw between Burnley and Stoke City at Turf Moor.
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Burnley and Stoke City played out an uneventful goalless draw at Turf Moor to bring down the curtain on the Clarets' Premier League campaign on home soil.

The home side, who saw their top-flight relegation sealed last weekend, created all their best chances in the first half, but they were unable to get the better of Jack Butland.

It was Stoke who looked the more likely to find a breakthrough goal following the restart, seeing a couple of good openings fall the way of Mame Biram Diouf, although there was to be no way through for either side in the end.

Relive how the 90 minutes of action unfolded in Lancashire, with Sports Mole's live text coverage below.


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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Burnley and Stoke City at Turf Moor.

The team news has arrived, so let's get straight into things by taking a look at how these two sides line up this afternoon...

TEAM NEWS!

BURNLEY STARTING XI: Heaton; Trippier; Shackell, Duff, Mee; Boyd, Arfield, Jones, Taylor; Barnes; Ings

STOKE CITY STARTING XI: Butland; Pieters, Muniesa, Shawcross, Cameron; Nzonzi, Whelan, Arnautovic, Adam, Walters; Diouf


So both managers have opted to name unchanged sides this afternoon, which comes as little surprise in Burnley's case. Sean Dyche has stuck with the same small group of players throughout this campaign, and he is not going to stop now even with the Clarets' Premier League fate already sealed.

If it's not broke, don't fix it. That appears to be the mantra for Mark Hughes, who sticks with the same starting XI which ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Mame Biram Diouf leads the line, where he will be looking to bag the goal that takes him into double figures for the season in the Premier League.

BENCH WATCH!

BURNLEY SUBS: Gilks, Keane, Vokes, Kightly, Ulvestad, Jutkiewicz, Ward

STOKE CITY SUBS: Begovic, Wolscheid, Wilson, Ireland, Odemwingie, Sidwell, Crouch


Sam Vokes was unlucky to miss a large chunk of Burnley's Premier League campaign through injury, but he will no be hoping that those injury concerns are behind him as preparations already begin ahead of next year. He is on the bench from the start this afternoon, alongside fellow attacking options Michael Kightly and Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Asmir Begovic could very well be on his way out of the Britannia Stadium this summer, with Jack Butland once again chosen between the sticks. That situation is one that should be watched closely heading into the transfer window, with plenty of suitors no doubt waiting in the wings to take on the Bosnian should he depart. Like Vokes, it has also been a frustrating campaign for Peter Odemwingie, but he has worked his way back to fitness over the past few weeks and is once more among the subs.

Kickoff at Turf Moor is fast approaching:



Well it has ultimately been a season of disappointment for Burnley, who were unable to adapt to Premier League football and have gone on to suffer the same fate as witnessed during their last stint at this level. While QPR go down in an embarrassing manner, the Clarets do retain a whole load of dignity thanks to the manner they have gone about their business this term.

They have also taken points off the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City during the campaign, so there are certainly some happy memories to take from their year-long return to the Premier League. Victory at Hull last weekend - just their second win in 15 outings - also went a long way to highlighting the spirit in the camp, which bodes well for next season when Sean Dyche's men are expected to mount at promotion charge yet again.

The Clarets' biggest problem this term has been scoring goals, having failed to find the net in 17 of their league matches so far. Furthermore, all six of their victories - including the 2-1 win over Stoke in the reverse meeting last November - have each come by a single-goal margin. There is only so much that in-demand forward Danny Ings can do, with a serious lack of goals elsewhere in the side.

They come up against a Stoke side this afternoon who are on track to surpassing last season's previous best points tally of 50 in the Premier League, requiring just a point here today to draw level with that record. They are also certain to finish in the top half of the division, ensuring successive top-10 finishes in the top flight for the first time in 40 years.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Burnley are seeking a top-flight double over their opponents for the first time since 1968, following on from the 2-1 win at the Britannia Stadium last November. Stoke have not won at Turf Moor since 1975, although that statistic is admittedly a little misleading, with just one previous meeting - a 1-1 draw in 2010 - being played during that time.

There is still a little over 10 minutes to go before kickoff in Lancashire, meaning that there is plenty of time to check out the Sports Mole Sofa preview:


The best way of describing the Potters' campaign to date, as we head into the final two fixtures, is one of steady progress. Mark Hughes has guided his side to successive top-half finishes to build on the previous success achieved by Tony Pulis before him. Fourteen wins for the season is an impressive tally, and with Liverpool to visit after today's meeting against Burnley, there is still a chance they can claim eighth place.

For Burnley, on the other hand, today is all about giving their supporters something to cheer in what is their final home game of the season. It will be interesting to see how many members of this tight-knit group remain at the end of the summer transfer window, because if they remain intact - minus Danny Ings - a promotion charge will be on the cards once more.

PREDICTION: There is not a great deal riding on this contest in terms of where either of these sides will finish in the league table, but the reduced pressure will hopefully provide an entertaining battle. Burnley's lack of goals have cost them this season, but I'll back them to put that right today with a 2-2 draw.

Right, both sets of places have now emerged from the tunnel to a terrific atmosphere inside Turf Moor. These home supporters have nothing but admiration for each and every player, and they would love nothing more than to see their campaign end of somewhat of a high.

KICKOFF! We are underway in Lancashire! Burnley are sporting their traditional claret and blue colours, while Stoke are in their red and white home kit.

SHOT! A really promising start for Burnley, and Danny Ings in particular. The Clarets' top scorer went on a mazy run into the box, sending a couple of Stoke players flying as they attempted to stop him, before getting a shot in at goal which Butland easily collected in the end.

Sean Dyche's men have got off to a flyer in front of their vociferous supporters. Butland had to be alert a few moments ago to race out and clear the ball ahead of Ings, while Stoke have barely been able to get out the final third of the pitch.

Ings is really up for this game in what is likely to be his final appearance at Turf Moor as a Burnley player. He has just been caught on the shin by Shawcross, however, and is now down receiving some treatment which is rather worrying for the hosts.

The 10-goal striker is now back on the field of play after receiving some further treatment on the sidelines.

Burnley are still the side on top, although the contest is more balanced now compared to the opening stages. The Clarets started brilliantly, creating an early chance through Ings, but since then the goalmouth action has dried up.

Stoke are still trying to find their feet, failing to match the levels set seven days ago when they took Tottenham Hotspur apart. There's a good vocal backing in the away section today, but the players on the pitch have so far given those travelling fans little to get excited about.

SAVE! Terrific stop from Butland to deny Burnley taking the lead. Boyd headed the ball down for Ings, who fired away an effort on goal which the England stopper pushed aside. Trippier was on to the rebound, but again Butland was equal to it.

SAVE! It's another terrific save from Butland, this time to deny Jones' powerful effort from close range. Burnley may rue not making the most of the chances they have had in the opening quarter of this match.

Ings has had two really good chances, Trippier saw a good opening come and go, and now Jones has failed to capitalise on a chance of his own. Burnley certainly deserve a goal, but they just can't get the ball past Butland at the moment.

Still goalless at Turf Moor, but Burnley have had the better of things in the opening 20 minutes or so:



SAVE! Stoke have seen more of the ball over the past few moments, but they were hit on the break and Butland was yet again called into action. Ings' low shot was heading in if not for the England keeper's stop, adding to his personal collection for the first half in the process.

YELLOW CARD! Diouf becomes the first player to enter the referee's book, as play is temporarily disrupted.

Adam scored a log-range drive against Chelsea earlier this year, but he was well off the mark with his latest 40-yard attempt which he sliced high and wide.

CHANCE! A really good chance for Stoke - their best of the game so far - which Walters fails to make the most of. Adam's free kick was met by the Irishman, who got in between two opposition players to head the ball goalwards, but he directed it straight into the hands of Heaton from a few yards out.

It has been an entertaining opening half-hour to this match, which has now seen both sides waste good chances. There is no denying that Burnley have been the better side, though, and they really should be sitting on a lead at this point.

Stoke seem to be picking up the ball in pockets of space around 30 yards from goal far too often, but they are not doing a great deal with it at the moment. Diouf has just attempted an acrobatic shot which deflected behind, although the offside flag was already up. Lazy player from the striker, who simply strolled back into position.

The Potters are certainly growing into the game in terms of keeping hold of the ball for longer periods of time. There has not been a great deal of flow to their play so far, however, which will have to improve if they are to make a breakthrough.

Burnley are looking to end the first half in the same manner they started it by throwing all they have at Stoke, although Butland has gone untested for 10 minutes now. Boyd found the ball at his feet inside the box a few moments ago, but he couldn't settle himself to get a shot away.

CHANCE! For all of Burnley's chances, the best two have arguably fallen Stoke's way. Walters, himself guilty of missing from a few yards out a short while ago, swings in a superb cross that is simply crying out for Diouf to nod home. He gets his head to the ball six yards out, but somehow heads wide.

Walters had a chance to play in Diouf once more, but perhaps influenced by the Senegalese's miss a few moments ago, he takes on the shot himself and narrowly misses the target.

YELLOW CARD! George Boyd becomes the second player to earn himself a booking, as City continue to enjoy a prolonged spell of possession.

Burnley are really struggling to clear their lines at the moment - a massive turnaround to what we witnessed in the opening stages of the match.

Shawcross clatters right into Ings as half time approaches, but there was not enough in the collision to warrant a booking. Thirty seconds of this half left to play.

HALF TIME: BURNLEY 0-0 STOKE CITY

The half-time whistle blows, bringing to a close what has been an entertaining opening 45 minutes. It is still goalless at the break, but we have seen plenty of action in front of both goals.

Ings, Trippier and Jones each saw good chances pass them by, with Jack Butland produced a number of top-class stops to keep his side in the game. Up the other end, Walters directed a header right into the hands of Heaton when he really should have been picking out the net, while Diouf nodded wide unmarked from six yards out.

I'm sure both managers will be happy enough with what they saw in the opening 45 minutes, but here is a reminder of the options available from the bench:

BURNLEY SUBS: Gilks, Keane, Vokes, Kightly, Ulvestad, Jutkiewicz, Ward

STOKE CITY SUBS: Begovic, Wolscheid, Wilson, Ireland, Odemwingie, Sidwell, Crouch


Will either side find a way through in the second half?



Elsewhere in the Premier League this afternoon, just one goal has been scored in the 3pm kickoffs - Emmanuel Riviere for Newcastle United away at Queens Park Rangers. That could have a massive say in who avoids the drop this campaign, but it has little effect on either Burnley or Stoke.

RESTART! We are back underway at Turf Moor. Burnley started the first half strongly, while it was Stoke who ended it on top. How will these next 45 minutes pan out...

SHOT! Stoke come close up one end through N'Zonzi, before Burnley break up the other end via Danny Ings. He had options either side, but opted to shoot from the edge of the box. Simple enough stop for Butland.

YELLOW CARD! Home supporters call for a penalty after Shawcross clattered into Barnes inside the area, but referee Michael Oliver was having little of it. The official then reached into his pocket for the third time today to show a yellow to N'Zonzi.

Barnes does brilliantly to bring down a long ball inside the area, before firing across goal for a teammate to tap in. Ings couldn't quite reach it, though, with the half-chance going begging.

A succession of corners comes to nothing for Burnley as they continue to push for an opener. I mentioned prior to the game how the Clarets have really struggled in front of goal this term, and those problems appear to be continuing this afternoon.

SAVE! Tom Heaton, a real hero for Burnley this season, shows his bravery by pouncing on a cross which was sent through the box towards the waiting Diouf at the back post. The Stoke striker hit the ball first time from a few yards out, but Heaton was right on top of it to deflect wide for a corner.

STOKE CITY SUB: Odemwingie continues his return to full fitness by replacing Walters. He's playing for his future, remember, so he needs to make an impact.

Taylor has a pop from range, with his effort deflecting a yard or so wide for a corner. Burnley keep the pressure on from the set piece, but Diouf was back defending to clear away.

Both sides are cancelling each other out at the moment, with possession locked at 50-50. It has been far from a dull, end-of-season encounter, yet a goal would certainly help add some excitement in these final 30 minutes or so.

BURNLEY SUB: Matty Taylor's afternoon has come to a close, and it is former City player Michael Kightly who has come on in his place.

Just the one chance so far in this half, which fell to way of Diouf 10 minutes ago. Heaton did very well to get down and keep out his shot, however, with neither side looking likely to find a way through since.

CHANCE! Right on cue, Stoke create another decent opportunity. A ball in from the left by Arnautovic was met by the nine-goal striker, but Shackell did really well to get in the way of his header to deflect it wide.

STOKE CITY SUB: That delivery from Arnautovic proved to be his last impact of any sort on this game, as he departs 19 minutes from time. Crouch is on in his place, aiming to score against Burnley to complete a full set of goals against current Premier League clubs.

MATCH ACTION! Marko Arnautovic and George Boyd compete for the ball prior to the Austrian being replaced:

Marko Arnautovic of Stoke City and George Boyd of Burnley compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Burnley and Stoke City at Turf Moor on May 16, 2015© Getty Images


Still no closer to a breakthrough at Turf Moor, as the chances appear to have dried up. Stoke have had the best two openings of the second half, both of which fell to Diouf, but he was unable to take either of them.

The game has had a distinct end of season feeling about it pretty much since the restart. The opening 45 minutes were entertaining, the last 35 not so. Sam Vokes will be introduced shortly, probably in place of Boyd, as both teams continue to plug away.

A searching ball over the top is very nearly brought down by Ings, but he was an inch or so away from reaching it inside the box and Butland was able to collect. The English keeper has looked impressive this afternoon, even though he has had little to do for the last hour in terms of making saves.

Almost a chance for Crouch on the edge of the Burnley 18-yard box, but Trippier kept his composure to nick the ball away from him. Incidentally, the attendance this afternoon has been confirmed as 18,636 (2,368 away fans).

SUBS: As expected, Vokes comes on in place of Barnes for these final six minutes or so, while Adam is replaced by Steve Sidwell for the visitors.

This contest has been so incredibly scrappy for the past 40 minutes or so. A goalless draw has been on the cards for a while, and baring what appears to be a miracle at this stage, we are about to witness a stalemate.

A stray pass from Shackell has allowed Stoke to potentially pile on some late pressure. They have a throw-in high up the field, with Crouch to aim for in the centre.

Stoke fail to capitalise on Shackell's sloppy error, and up the other end Ings came close to picking out strike partner Vokes, but his pass was cut out inside the area.

BURNLEY SUB: Ulvestad has been handed his Burnley debut late on here, coming on in place of Jones.

N'Zonzi fires away a shot around 25 yards from goal, but it was dragged wide with Heaton diving across. Two more minutes left to play in Lancashire.

SAVE! Some late pressure from Stoke almost tells, as Muniesa rifles in a fine volley from range which was dipping towards the bottom corner, but Heaton was down to collect. He would have seen that late, so it was a good stop in the end.

FULL TIME: BURNLEY 0-0 STOKE CITY

The curtain comes down on Burnley's Premier League season at Turf Moor and, while it may not have been an overly-impressive showing, they managed to dig deep to claim what is a decent point on the face of it. Stoke have now matched their points tally of 50 from last season, meaning that they will have to match this result against Liverpool in their final game to surpass the target set by Mark Hughes.

Well that's all from me in terms of live text coverage, but be sure to stick around as we bring you player ratings, analysis and plenty of reaction from Turf Moor.

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