On this day: Champions Burnley ruin Rochdale’s play-off hopes

Robbie PainterRobbie Painter
Robbie Painter | jpimedia
Burnley rounded off a memorable season in style on this day in 1992.

Already crowned Fourth Division champions, ending a seven-year stay in the basement division, the Clarets made the short trip to Spotland to play their final game of the season, in what was a rearranged clash.

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Burnley, all in yellow, fell behind to a soft goal from a long free kick, but led by the break.

First, Ian Measham, from right back, found himself in acres of space to score his first goal of the season from John Francis’ pass.

Then Mike Conroy swivelled to slam in his 29th goal of the season after Steve Harper’s cross dropped in the box.

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Conroy would have had 30 goals, but his effort against Aldershot earlier in the season was expunged after the Shots resigned from the Football League.

In the second half, as the 5,100 Burnley fans in a crowd of 8,715 revelled in escaping the bottom division in style, Robbie Painter sealed the win from a John Deary corner.