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Ashley Barnes scored twice as Burnley put their Premier League struggles aside to secure a commanding 5-1 victory over Millwall in the FA Cup third round at Turf Moor, with Scott Parker’s side reaching the fourth round for the third time in four seasons after a dominant display that featured eight changes from their midweek draw with Manchester United.
Burnley Cruise Into FA Cup Fourth Round With Emphatic 5-1 Victory Over Millwall
The 36-year-old Barnes opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Jacob Bruun Larsen squared for the veteran striker to sweep home past visiting goalkeeper Steven Benda. Despite making eight changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United on Wednesday, Parker’s team controlled the opening exchanges and never looked back after taking the early advantage at Turf Moor.
Millwall gradually grew into the contest and created several opportunities to level the score, with Jake Cooper twice going close from headers. Max Weiss produced a brilliant over-arm save to deny Cooper’s first effort from Alfie Doughty’s deep cross, before the Burnley goalkeeper made another crucial stop from the defender on the half-hour mark as the Lions threatened an equaliser.
However, two defensive errors before half-time effectively ended Millwall’s hopes of an upset. Loum Tchaouna was afforded too much space to thread his left-foot shot from the edge of the box past a static Benda on 35 minutes, before the visiting goalkeeper’s poor clearance gifted Jaidon Anthony the opportunity to slide home Burnley’s third goal shortly before the interval.
Barnes completed his brace in the 65th minute when Kamarl Grant made a hash of clearing Anthony’s right-wing cross, allowing the delighted striker to mop up for his second goal of the afternoon. Substitute Jaydon Banel added a fifth goal from close range on the stroke of 90 minutes before Josh Coburn scored a consolation for the shell-shocked Lions in stoppage time.
Parker expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating that the victory could “breathe some confidence into the team” following their recent struggles. Millwall manager Alex Neil acknowledged his side’s lack of clinical finishing compared to Burnley’s ruthless approach, while confirming that several first-team players were rested due to the club’s injury problems and league priorities in the Championship.
