Burnley 2 Arsenal 0

KEVIN McDonald steered Burnley into the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time in 25 years with a superb brace at Turf Moor.

The Championship team booked their 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.

Scottish midfielder McDonald scored either side of halftime and there was pandemonium around the old ground after a famous victory.

The match was locally billed as ‘Capital Punishment III’ after Chelsea and Fulham were put to the sword in previous rounds.

Yet Arsenal almost took the lead before McDonald made the breakthrough when Fran Merida released Nicklas Bendtner. However, Jensen stayed alert and diverted the striker’s effort to safety.

Burnley took the lead in the sixth minute after Chris Eagles swung in a superb cross from the right. Arsenal could not clear their lines after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski failed to gather the ball.

McDonald took full advantage to score from the edge of the six-yard box.

Burnley extended their lead in the 57th minute with Mc- Donald again showing a cool headed when needed.

Randall was caught napping when Eagles delivered a throw-in and McDonald raced clear before curling a shot into the far corner with the outside of his right boot.

BURNLEY: Jensen, Duff, Carlisle, Caldwell, Jordan, Alexander, Blake (Elliott 77), McDonald (Gudjonsson 61), McCann, Eagles, Paterson (Akinbiyi 74).

ARSENAL: Fabianski, Hoyte, Silvestre, Ramsey, Gibbs, Rodgers (Lansbury 46), Randall (Bischoff 72), Merida, Wilshere (Simpson 63), Bendtner, Vela.