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BARNES, POPE STAR AS BURNLEY OUT OF BOTTOM THREE

Nick Pope was in inspired form as Burnley drew 1-1 with Aston Villa, taking them out of the relegation zone and above Leeds United on goal difference ahead of the final day of the season.

Pope produced two fine saves to deny Villa midfielder John McGinn before Burnley took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

After Emiliano Buendia had tripped Maxwel Cornet, Ashley Barnes scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Their lead did not last long as Buendia atoned for his earlier error with a volley three minutes after the restart.

Pope then thwarted Ollie Watkins, Bertrand Traore and Matty Cash before Matt Lowton was dismissed as the match entered stoppage time, but the Clarets held on for a vital point.

Burnley and Leeds both have 35 points, but the Clarets’ -18 goal difference is superior to Jesse Marsch’s team’s -38.

Villa remain 14th with 45 points from 37 matches.