Burnley’s Heaton: Save from Austin no Gordon Banks!

It was against Charlie Austin that Tom Heaton produced one of the saves of his life on Sunday, but the Burnley goalkeeper was still frustrated his former team-mate was able to twice get the better of him.

The Southampton striker bagged a brace against his former side, but it was Heaton’s save just five minutes into the game which caught the attention – clawing away a header which looked destined for the net.

It’s a save which has drawn comparison to Gordon Banks’ effort to deny Pele when England and Brazil met at the 1970 World Cup, but it was Austin who had the last laugh in the 3-1 victory at St Mary’s.

The 27-year-old’s effort from the penalty spot was of particular annoyance to Heaton – with the two familiar with each other’s styles having trained together at Turf Moor in the summer of 2013.

(Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

“I thought it was in when he headed it. I just threw a hand towards it and thankfully it was able to get it round the post,” said Heaton.

“A few people have made the comparison [with Banks] but I reckon that’s a bit of a stretch! It’s nice to be able to make saves like that, but the bigger picture is all about the team display.

“Charlie is a top player, I was fortunate to have a pre-season with him – he’s a top striker, a great finisher with both feet and he can be a target man too, so he offers you an awful lot.

“We know what he’s about and unfortunately we weren’t able to keep him out. I’ve faced some penalties from him too, so I was a little disappointed not to keep this one out, but I’ll be ready for the next one.”