Sean Dyche had Andre Gray to thank as the Championship's top scorer gave his side a crucial three points away to Birmingham City.

Following Brighton and Middlesbrough's victories before, Burnley knew a point would see them climb back into the top two on goal difference, but three would see them to within two points of league leaders Boro.

George Boyd found the bottom corner from the edge of the box just after the half-hour mark to give the Clarets the lead going into half-time.

However, things didn't quite go to plan for Dyche when Tom Heaton parried a Jon Toral shot, only for it fall into the path of Jacques Maghoma to find the equaliser fro Gary Rowett's side.

But Gray came to the rescue as he converted a cross from George Boyd 13 minutes from time to ensure that Burnley took three points back to Lancashire.

Things got worse for the Blues as on-loan midfielder Jon Toral received his second yellow card of the game and got his marching orders four minutes into stoppage time.

The leaves the Clarets second in the Championship, just two points behind Middlesbrough, who they play on Tuesday, while Birmingham now find themselves 10 points behind Sheffield Wednesday, who occupy the final play-off place.

Here are THREE things we learned from the game:

1) The importance of Andre Gray emphasised yet again

Burnley forked out a significant fee for Brentford striker Andre Gray in the summer as they looked to replace the goals they had lost with Danny Ings' departure.

And with 24 goals in the Championship this season, Gray has more than paid back his transfer fee and the Clarets looks to bounce back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

If, and its extremely likely, Gray is playing in the Premier League next season, their is certainly no doubt that he has the ability to go to replicate what Jamie Vardy has done at Leicester.

2) Not quite enough from Birmingham

With the play-offs looking out of sight for Gary Rowett and Birmingham City, this may be a time to start planning for next year and reflecting on this one.

While they did not quite have enough to earn a play-off place, this has been a terrific season at St Andrews and their are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for Blues fans.

Rowett has transformed the club from relegation battlers to play-off hopefuls, and he'll be hoping to better that next season.

3) Burnley show their determination too

In a week were both Brighton and Middlesbrough scored late winners, Burnley also showed that they have character and determination to succeed this season.

Andre Gray's 24th goal of the season was just further evidence that Sean Dyche's men are not going to give up in the race for the top two, even the things aren't exactly going their way.

They will need that on Tuesday when they face off against league leaders Middlesbrough in a crucial game.

Birmingham and Burnley fans...What did you make of the game? Where can Birmingham aim for next season? Will Burnley go on to secure promotion? Let us know what you think in the comments below!