Burnley shoots down Gunners
03/12/2008 8:27 AM
Burnley has claimed its second 'Big Four' Premiership scalp in as many Carling Cup rounds after it beat Arsenal 2-0 at Turf Moor on Wednesday morning.
The result comes after Burnley eliminated Chelsea on penalties at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round and sees it into the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time in 25 years.
Kevin McDonald was the hero as he ensured victory for the Coca-Cola Championship team with a superb brace.
Burnley booked its place in the last four of the Carling Cup after showing a young Arsenal side how to finish.
While McDonald rightly took the plaudits, the Lancashire club also had to thank goalkeeper Brian Jensen, who made a string of fine saves to keep his side in front.
Scottish midfielder McDonald scored either side of half-time and there was pandemonium around the old ground after a famous victory.
Meanwhile Derby, relegated in shame from the Premier League last season, is on the brink of a Wembley final after edging past Premiership team Stoke.
An injury-time penalty from Nathan Ellington sent Paul Jewell's men into the semi-finals, the first time County have reached that stage of a major cup competition since 1968.
Stoke and Rory Delap had thrown everything they could think of at the Rams' determined defence, but Derby fans who suffered through an embarrassing top-flight campaign last term at last had something to celebrate.
Carling Cup Fifth Round results
Stoke 0
Derby 1 (Ellington 90)
Burnley 2 (McDonald 6, 57)
Arsenal 0