Barnes brace helps Burnley to victory over Millwall

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from BBC or go back to LFC Live.

Ashley Barnes produced a decisive performance as Burnley secured a vital victory over Millwall, boosting their momentum and underlining their attacking strength. The match was closely contested, with Millwall looking organised and physical, but Burnley’s superior quality in the final third ultimately proved the difference.

Barnes opened the scoring after Burnley applied sustained pressure, timing his run well and finishing confidently from close range. His movement continually troubled Millwall’s defence, creating space for teammates and forcing the visitors to defend deep. Burnley dominated possession for long spells, working the ball patiently through midfield and attacking primarily down the flanks.

Millwall, however, were dangerous on the counter. They created several half-chances, testing Burnley’s defensive concentration with direct balls and set pieces. Burnley’s back line had to deal with aerial threats and physical duels, but they largely kept Millwall at arm’s length, limiting clear opportunities.

The turning point came when Barnes doubled his tally, capping a flowing Burnley move. Receiving the ball in the box, he showed composure to finish again, giving Burnley a cushion and energising the home support. His brace highlighted both his clinical instincts and his importance to Burnley’s attacking structure.

In the closing stages, Millwall pushed forward, searching for a way back into the game, but Burnley managed the tempo well, slowing play when needed and using their experience to see out the result. Substitutions helped reinforce midfield and protect the lead.

The win represents a significant boost for Burnley, reinforcing their ambitions near the top end of the table and demonstrating their resilience against stubborn opposition. For Millwall, the defeat was disappointing but not without positives, as they showed periods of defensive solidity and attacking intent, albeit without the finishing edge that Barnes provided for Burnley.