Dave does the last 2 away games...

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Dave Thornley writing for Clarets Mad shares his thoughts on the two recent away days for the Clarets. Three points is not a bad return from a possible six and long may it continue. (TEC.)

It is difficult to write about matches only witnessed via radio commentary and brief television highlights and so there is not much I can usefully add to that which has already been written about Burnley’s last two performances; Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle’s St James’ Park and last night’s victory at Kenilworth Road in Luton.

Nevertheless, it seems to me that these two matches illustrated the contradictions within the current Burnley squad; plenty of talent, capable of passages of attractive and flowing play, but susceptible to too many unforced errors.

Newcastle is a tough place to visit, made tougher when Miguel Almiron’s long range early strike gave the Magpies the lead, but it was a goal which originated from Burnley’s own throw in and Aaron Ramsey getting himself in a tangle allowing Keiran Trippier to rob him of the ball.

Ameen Al-Dakhil’s miscued header in the second half resulted in a panicky lunge at Isak and the concession of an inevitable penalty, which the Swedish striker tucked away.

Throughout the trials and tribulations of Burnley’s start to the season, supporters such as myself clung to the hope that when the fixtures against teams less likely to feature in the upper reaches of the league table came around, Burnley would be able to start accumulating points.

So it was that last night’s visit to Luton assumed a greater significance than a fixture this early in the season would normally carry.

There may have been an element of serendipity involved in the Burnley victory, but in fairness the Clarets did rise to the challenge and went on to record their first win of the season.

Welcoming Lyle Foster back from suspension was hugely significant. When playing at Premier League level, where goal scoring chances are at a premium, having a striker who can consistently and reliably convert those chances is really important.

So it was that the South African striker put Burnley ahead as the first half ended.

Luton are currently holding their own in the EPL after surpassing expectations and gaining promotion via the Championship play-offs, a 2-1 away win at Goodison last weekend exemplified their battling character. After Foster’s late first half strike the Hatters applied some serious second half pressure on the Burnley backline equalising just after the hour mark.

But the home fans euphoria was extremely short-lived, barely a minute after the re-start, Jacob Bruun Larsen curled in a superb, left foot shot into the top corner. No doubt Manuel Benson will be seeking compensation for breach of his copyright.

Burnley dug deep to preserve their lead and secure all three points, the unforced errors were minimised and a collective willingness to do the ugly things emerged, a further measure of a developing team spirit and togetherness which will be a prime requirement as the season develops.

It is Chelsea up next. Come on you Clarets. (TEC.)

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[sinkov]

A good read as usual, but Luton didn't equalise just after the hour mark, we held on a lot longer than that, it was the 84th minute when they equalised.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

A good read as usual, but Luton didn't equalise just after the hour mark, we held on a lot longer than that, it was the 84th minute when they equalised.

Dave writes on Padiham time mon ami, anything can happen.