Osmajic scores as Preston thump rivals Burnley in FA Cup

Milutin Osmajic was on the scoresheet as two-time winners Preston claimed bragging rights in Lancashire by thumping local rivals Burnley in the FA Cup fifth round.

Build-up to the contest was overshadowed by Preston’s Osmajic being accused of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during the meeting of the sides here two weeks ago – an allegation which the Montenegro forward denies.

Osmajic started the game but Hannibal was left out of the squad and the Clarets players refused to acknowledge the Preston player in the pre-match handshake.

Once the match got under way, Osmajic was in the thick of the action immediately, running clear and shooting wide in the opening seconds, much to the delight of the away supporters.

But there was no denying Osmajic on the stroke of half-time when he collected Brad Potts’ through ball and drilled a clinical finish past Vaclav Hladky, before taunting the Clarets fans in celebration by cupping his hands around his ears towards their direction.

Burnley’s astonishing defensive record has produced 12 consecutive clean sheets in their push for promotion from the Championship, but they were stunned when Robbie Brady curled in a glorious 25-yard free-kick against his old club.

Preston added a third goal in the second half as Will Keane poked in from close range, while at the other end Freddie Woodman made a superb save to deny Zian Flemming as Burnley were knocked out.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side, though, can look forward to being in the draw for the last eight, which takes place after Sunday’s Manchester United v Fulham tie (16:30 GMT kick-off).

This was the 144th meeting between the Lancashire sides, and two of the country’s pioneering clubs who faced each other on the first day of the Football League in 1888.

But they have not met before in the FA Cup and it was Preston who emerged comfortably victorious to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966, with fans chanting “We’re going to Wembley”.

Both Championship games had finished goalless this season, including the fixture two weeks ago which was paused for several minutes in the second half when Hannibal reported an accusation of racism against Osmajic to the referee.

Hannibal was left out of this game and 25-year-old Osmajic was the central figure – there seemed an air of inevitability that he would score when he screwed wide early on.

Considering the circumstances and the chants aimed by Burnley supporters in his direction, the goal Osmajic converted was extremely cool, setting himself inside the box before striking low into the corner and giving Hladky no chance to save it.

Brady’s sweet opener was just the second goal Burnley had conceded since 21 December, while Keane’s effort on 73 minutes meant the Clarets conceded three in a game for the first time this season.

Having made nine changes for the tie, manager Scott Parker had an eye on the Championship as they aim to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

They were often disjointed and appeared off the pace at Deepdale, rarely looking like they could trouble Woodman, with Manuel Benson blazing high and wide when attempting to create some magic.

Luca Koleosho flashed a low strike wide of the far post and had an effort cleared off the line in between the first two Preston goals, but Burnley can now concentrate on the league with a trip to Cardiff on Tuesday evening.

[BBC]