We are delivering pride, passion and hard work

Last updated : 02 October 2013 By Tony Scholes

Dickov readily admitted how difficult a game it had been for his team and said after the game: "Sometimes you can make excuses and point to certain things in the game, but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say you were beaten by the better team. I think that's what happened.

"We're obviously disappointed to get beaten and frustrated, especially with the goal conceded just on half time. I talk to the players a lot about managing the game and we had three or four chances to clear the ball before the penalty. If we come in at 0-0, having played well, it's a different game,

"In the second half we came out and huffed and puffed a little bit but we looked like we were getting back into the game. Kiko had a couple of chances and they have broken away and scored again.

"We're disappointed but you have to give Burnley credit. They are top of the league and there's a reason they're top of the league because they're a good team."

Sean Dyche, who left the pitch at the end to the loudest cry of 'Ginger Mourinho' I've heard, was full of pride for everyone at the end of the game.

"I am pleased for everyone, the players, all my staff and the supporters who were magnificent again tonight and I think we have earned the right to be top of the league," he said.

"That has been the really pleasing thing about it. In every game this season we have earned the right to be where we are. I don't think we have lucked out in any game.

"I thought we delivered a good performance again tonight. At 1-0 they had a very good chance and that can change the feel of a game, but we had a good few chances ourselves and some very good play at times.

"This is a tough place to come, and we give everyone respect, but the most respect we have is for each other and that is showing in the way the lads are playing."

He's certainly not allowing his head to get stuck in the clouds and he added: "There is still loads to do, but we'll enjoy it and keep demanding things from the players because that is certainly pushing us in the right direction.

"Doncaster started very well and for the first ten minutes they were the best side, but we have managed to build a mentality and we can use our framework to stay in games, then slowly and surely we got possession, used the ball better and ended the half on top.

"We expected another rally from them in the second half and I thought we really calmed the game by keeping the ball."

He's often spoken about his strike force this season as the goals have gone in, but last night he clearly wanted to praise his defence.

He said: "Everyone keeps talking about our strikers and I sometimes get sucked in, but the back five were tremendous again tonight with a clean sheet.

"There is such an honesty in this group, and from back to front we are delivering pride, passion and hard work and we have been good value so far."