By Our Man in Lancashire
TURF MOOR, BURNLEY — The ghosts of yesteryear were finally banished from this historic Lancashire fortress yesterday as Fulham stormed Turf Moor to snatch a vital 3-2 victory, ending an incredible 74-year wait for a league win at the venue.
For the travelling faithful from West London, it was a moment of pure delirium as they saw their side survive a late, frantic push from the struggling Clarets.
For the home supporters, it was another miserable chapter in a season rapidly turning into a nightmare, with the iconic, old-school atmosphere of Turf Moor turning sour as the final whistle blew.
The stadium, one of the Premier League’s oldest and most atmospheric grounds, was primed for a relegation six-pointer, but it was the visitors who thrived on the intense Lancashire pressure.
Marco Silva’s men took the lead early on, silencing the famous Longside Stand before the home fans could even settle their pie and mash.
While Burnley showed spirit, battling back to level before half-time, the Cottagers always looked the sharper side, finding the net twice more in a chaotic second half.
The venue’s famed pitch, often praised for its immaculate condition, hosted a frantic, end-to-end battle, with five goals flying in. Burnley’s two goals felt like faint consolation, a mere ripple against the rising tide of despair engulfing the home side.
The Clarets’ manager now faces a monumental task to lift his side after the atmosphere at Turf Moor, usually a source of immense pride and intimidation, was transformed into one of frustration and bitter disappointment as Fulham ran out 3-2 winners. The historic walls of the stadium could practically feel the collective groan of the Burnley faithful.
The result marks a massive psychological blow for Burnley, proving that even their most dependable home strongholds can be breached.
For Fulham, their 1951 curse is broken, and they head back down the M6 a little lighter and a lot safer in the Premier League table.
