Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford made two stunning penalty saves in the space of ten minutes to deny Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor and secure a 0-0 draw for the Clarets at Turf Moor. Isidor had two chances to win the game from the spot but was thwarted by Trafford's brilliance.
Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor endured a night of penalty heartbreak against Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford on Wednesday. Trafford produced two remarkable saves from the spot in the space of ten minutes to deny Isidor and secure a 0-0 draw for the Clarets at Turf Moor. In the 84th minute, Sunderland 's Eliezer Mayenda sent Isidor through on goal, but a challenge from Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley resulted in a penalty decision.
However, replays showed the contact came from outside the box, and while Egan-Riley was booked, the penalty was awarded. Trafford used every trick in the book to delay Isidor's penalty, tying up his laces and re-strapping his gloves. His tactics worked, as he guessed correctly and dived to his right to keep out Isidor's effort. Sunderland were awarded another penalty in the dying seconds when left-back Dennis Cirkin was brought down by Oliver Sonne. Isidor stepped up again, but Trafford produced another spectacular save, this time deflecting the ball away from goal. The second save sparked jubilant scenes among the Burnley fans, while Sunderland's travelling supporters held their heads in their hands. Isidor was visibly devastated, nearly in tears as he approached the away fans who supported him nonetheless. He apologized to them and held his hands in a prayer position, seeking forgiveness. Sunderland and Burnley players alike tried to console the dejected striker. Trafford, on the other hand, offered a cheeky response when asked if he was playing mind games with Isidor by delaying the penalties. 'No, the first one my laces were undone and the second my hammy (hamstring) was crying,' a smiling Trafford told Sky Sports. 'I was surprised he stepped up twice, to be fair. We watched his pens yesterday and I think he hit four in the middle and to my right so we thought to stand in that gap and react. He did it for the first one and the second I thought, 'He's not going to do the same thing twice', and I dived and saved it.' Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris acknowledged Isidor was 'disappointed' but urged him to 'reset and switch off'. 'It was smart,' Le Bris said. 'I think the referee's there to judge and I can't be critical with his decisions. So for me, it's just a game.' Burnley manager Vincent Kompany praised Trafford's performance, stating: 'The two penalty saves weren't just penalty saves, they were incredible saves in terms of he shot across his line.' The result saw Burnley move level on points with league leaders Leeds United, although Leeds remain ahead on goal difference and have a game in hand. Sunderland, meanwhile, sit two points behind in fourth place, but hold an 11-point advantage over seventh-placed West Bromwich Albion
BURNLEY SUNDERLAND JAMES TRAFFORD WILSON ISIDOR Penalties Championship Soccer
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