Let's hear it for the boys

Last updated : 25 January 2009 By Tom Turner
Wade Elliott
Wade Elliott - Man of the Match
The Claret and Blue army was in fine voice, as they spurred on the team relentlessly throughout the ninety minutes. Many were still bitter early on, as anti-Tottenham chants rang out from the Burnley end.

After leading 1-0 after 24 minutes due to a Graham Alexander penalty, Coyle's men found themselves 2-1 down at the break, as both Robert Koren's sublime half volley and Kim's heavily deflected free kick found the net.

Roman Bednar had the chance to seal it for the home side, but after navigating his way around Brian Jensen, he could only find the post. However, it was Burnley who looked the more likely in the second half, with Steven Thompson coming close, only for an outstanding save from Scott Carson.

A defeat for Burnley would have been a travesty, due to the sheer volume of chances they created, and the Burnley fans would not travel home unhappy, as Martin Paterson slotted home with 88 minutes on the clock.

On another day, the Clarets could have scored 5, but as we have found out in the past week, you don't always get what you deserve in football. Let's just hope 'that day' is the third of February!

The pride which had been rife inside me on Wednesday night was still present, and to say I am enthusiastic about the potential of this group of players is an under-statement! Yes, the defensive frailties were exploited at some points, but you expect that when travelling to the home of a Premiership side.

Each player is continuously putting in first rate performances to prove themselves to the gaffer, namely Joey Gudjonsson, Stephen Jordan and probably most notably Robbie Blake, who proved again that when he is on his game, there are few better.

Coyle is making the most of a depleted defensive unit, he has instilled a belief and creativity in the midfield, and the forward line seems to be back to its productive old self. Although they played little part in yesterday's result, there is most certainly some promising young talent coming through the ranks.

Although there has been somewhat of a slump over the Christmas period, I still feel that there has never been a more exciting time to be a Claret, so I urge you to get down to the Turf, and spur the lads on throughout what promises to be an exciting climax to the season.

My Man of the Match goes to Wade Elliott, who has come in for some criticism in the past few weeks, but yesterday he looked at ease in two different positions, and got the assist for that vital second goal.

Surely, we can't be off again! Pavlyuchenco who?