Jeff Hendrick handed Sean Dyche the perfect anniversary present.

The Ireland midfielder grabbed the winning goal on a night which marked five years for Burnley boss Dyche at Turf Moor.

The 74th-minute goal was one of the few highlights of a dreadful game. This is what survival in the Premier League looks like.

Two scrapping, cautious, solid teams fighting for their top-flight lives, and largely cancelling each other out very effectively.

There was nothing flimsy or desperate about Burnley or Newcastle.

But Dyche and Rafa ­Benitez know the game they are in – survival first.

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The previous four league games at Turf Moor this ­season had produced just four goals. And the fifth came from Hendrick after a rare flurry of activity around a penalty area.

Jack Cork won the ball in midfield from Ayoze Perez and keeper Rob Elliot saved well. But Johann ­Gudmundsson worked the rebound to the far post, where sloppy marking left Hendrick to control and bundle home.

Apart from that there was hardly a decent chance to be seen all night.

It’s not what a global TV audience wants, but for Dyche it was another win, in a week when he’s been linked with the Everton job.

For a tactical geek like ­Benitez, the sight of his ­relentlessly drilled players squeezing most of the life out of Burnley was welcome – but not the 30-second lapse that cost them a point.

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The Toon boss is well aware of the limitations of his side and will be hoping for positive news on the takeover front this week.

Newcastle are a work in progress in this league and need investment and fresh creativity to go higher.

It may have been Dyche’s fifth ­anniversary of taking charge, but it wasn’t much of a party in the first half.

Benitez’s cautious ­containment tactics worked a treat. And the Clarets’ ­performance was just what has made them a solid top-flight outfit under Dyche.

The were organised, ­competitive and hard to break down.

The first half in front of the TV cameras could have been billed “Mediocre ­Monday”, with few chances and little excitement.

Benitez warned he was far from getting excited about United’s decent start to the season, and they played
risk-free.

The hosts looked ­dangerous at set-pieces, but Newcastle were tactically sound, blocking the home side’s route out from the back, before attacking down the flanks.

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Ashley Barnes flashed a header just wide after good work on the left from Robbie Brady.

Christian Atsu volleyed over after Mo Diame ­prodded a Matt Ritchie cross goalward and the Ghana star went close.

Atsu then teed up Jonjo Shelvey for a rasping shot that warmed Clarets keeper Nick Pope’s palms.

Pope was at full stretch to keep a curling Perez shot out after the break. James Tarkowski then headed a deep cross straight at Elliot.

The game opened up ­marginally in the last 20 minutes, Cork firing from long-range before his big part in the winner.

READ BELOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENED AT TURF MOOR.

Snore

This isn’t one to tell the grandchildren about.

The quality really isn’t there.

Newcastle have been too defensive, and Burnley wasteful.

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First half

While not boring that won’t be staying in the memory bank for too long.

There never were going to be a goal rush and it is not failing to deliver.

The odd strike might win this one.

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Sean Dyche

Plenty of gossip around this man at the moment.

He didn’t get the Leicester job but has been more heavily linked with the vacant hot seat at Everton.

So far so good tonight if this is an audition.

Would like a goal though...

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Early action

Fairly end to end so far at Turf Moor.

The ball has pinged around both boxes so far.

Both keepers have been forced into palm stingers but not a lot else.

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Warm ups

We are fast approaching kick off.

Both teams have been going through their warm ups.

Newcastle’s looking fairly physical...

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Newcastle team news

Burnley team news

All you need to know

This week’s Monday Night Football offering comes from Turf Moor as Burnley host Newcastle to round of the weekend of Premier League fixtures.

Both sides have enjoyed decent starts to the season, sitting eighth and 10th respectively heading into the fixture.

Either side could jump into sixth with a win, although the Clarets would need a three-goal margin to overhaul Liverpool.

Whatever happens, both sides will be assured of their spot in the top half after the 10-game point of the season.

So - when does the match get underway? And where can you watch the action unfold?

Here’s all you need to know ahead of Burnley vs Newcastle...

What time is Burnley vs Newcastle?

The Clarets host the Magpies at 8pm at Turf Moor.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with all the usual analysis that Monday Night Football brings.

If you cannot get near a television, you can follow every kick LIVE right here on Mirror Football.

Read more here.

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