Boyd snaps winless run for Burnley
George Boyd scored the only goal as Burnley edged past Stoke City 1-0 at Turf Moor on Wednesday (AEST) to move away from the Premier League's relegation zone.
Sean Dyche's side had not won in its last seven league matches to slip to 15th in the table and was in urgent need of three points against its mid-table visitor to release growing pressure.
A single goal was always likely to decide a scrappy affair that featured few clear-cut chances and it came after 58 low-quality minutes.
Boyd made no mistake with a smart finish from close to the penalty spot after Jeff Hendrick beat two Stoke players and crossed for the winger to turn home a low first-time shot.
Despite plenty of effort from the visitors a leveller never looked likely and Stoke's nine-game unbeaten run in away league games against newly-promoted sides came to an end.
Victory moves Burnley eight points clear of the relegation zone and they jump to 12th, a single place behind Stoke in the table, with both teams having seven games to play.
