Burnley 1 – 0 Wolves

Matej Vydra’s goal secured Burnley a 1-0 win over Wolves to boost their chances of Premier League survival and continue their revival under caretaker boss Mike Jackson.

A second consecutive victory after Thursday’s 2-0 win against Southampton lifted Burnley out of the relegation zone for the first time since October – temporarily, at least. The Clarets move two points above Everton, who play Liverpool at Anfield in the Merseyside derby on Sunday at 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Vydra, who was making just his second start of the year as he came in to replace the injured Maxwel Cornet, broke the deadlock (62) after finishing from the edge of the six-yard box following a Wout Weghorst cut-back.

Wolves were the stronger side in the first half, but failed to recover after Burnley went in front. Jonny Otto’s deflected effort in the opening 45 minutes, which was saved by Nick Pope, was the closest they came to scoring.

The defeat – a third in four games – dealt yet another blow to Wolves’ chances of European qualification, and they remain three points adrift of seventh-placed West Ham.

Burnley’s new-found form following the sacking of Sean Dyche – two wins and a draw – has now dragged Leeds firmly back into the fight for survival, with the Clarets just two points off Jesse Marsch’s side. Leeds will be looking to extend that gap on Monday Night Football when they travel to Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports.

Burnley continue unbeaten run under Jackson

Burnley caretaker boss Jackson challenged his side to continue their momentum after Thursday’s 2-0 win against Southampton, but nerves almost got the better of the hosts early on against Wolves.

Mistakes from Nathan Collins and Connor Roberts at the back almost handed Bruno Lage’s side an opener six minutes in, but returning striker Raul Jimenez’s left-footed effort from inside the area was tame and easily saved by Burnley goalkeeper Pope.

Wolves posed a big threat in the first half, with Jonny a constant thorn in Burnley’s side. The wing-back tested Pope with a curling effort that, had it not been for a deflection, looked destined for the top corner.

Burnley also looked bright, but struggled to carve out as many dangerous opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. Dwight McNeil, who was a stand-out performer for the Clarets, produced their most dangerous moment of the first half with a left-footed effort that Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa could only tip over his bar.

Pope was forced into action by Wolves wing-back Nelson Semedo six minutes after the restart, as the Portugal international lashed a shot at his near post, but the England goalkeeper pulled off a fine save to keep the scores level.

It proved to be the last meaningful moment going forward for Wolves, as Burnley opened the scoring 10 minutes later after a fine move down the right-hand side which started with a reverse pass from McNeil to Weghorst, who was able to lay the ball back for Vydra to score his second goal of the season.

Burnley will head to fellow relegation strugglers Watford next weekend full of confidence that they can make it three wins on the bounce after an impressive start to life under Jackson.

What’s next?

Burnley face a crucial clash with fellow relegation contenders Watford at Vicarage Road up next; kick-off 3pm.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will host Brighton at Molineux next Saturday; Romain Saiss scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Wolves at the Amex back in December; kick-off 3pm.

Burnley’s remaining fixtures

May 30 – Watford (a)

May 7 – Aston Villa (h)

May 15 – Tottenham (a)

May 19 – Aston Villa (a)

May 22 – Newcastle (h)

Wolverhampton’s remaining fixtures

May 30 – Brighton (h)

May 7 – Chelsea (a)

May 15 – Norwich (h)

May 22 – Liverpool (a)