We have restored some pride

Last updated : 17 September 2008 By Tony Scholes
It meant back to back wins for the Clarets, an undefeated run in the league stretched to four games, and a place in the top half of the Championship, and it was all fully deserved according to 'Larry' Grayson.

He said after the game: "I think we got out of the game what we deserved, basically nothing. I thought Burnley were dominant. They probably did what we did to them at our place on New Year's Day.

"I think Burnley had something to prove after that performance, and they did to us what we did to them in the first half and we couldn't cope with it. We couldn't compete with them. We couldn't match them tackle for tackle, runs for runs and when we got possession of the ball we gave it away far too cheaply. In the second half at least we got possession of the ball and passed it around like we can do."

Despite admitting that Burnley were worthy winners, he wasn't happy with the penalty decision that led to our second goal. He added: "If we had one of our players go in the box and a similar think happened, you don't expect to get them half of the time.

"We've had two go against us this year and, hopefully, they'll even themselves out. But we can't use that as an excuse because we didn't deserve anything out of the game."

Owen Coyle was delighted and also had words for the supporters who got behind the team right from the kick off. "The fans were magnificent and if they stay with the players, they will reward them," he said.

"Because of our pre-season their expectations were probably higher than they realistically should be. But that was pleasing, given how hurt we were by the New Year's Day defeat at Blackpool and, hopefully, we have restored some pride for them."

Coyle added: "We are all delighted to get back on track because the first two games hurt us. To bounce back with two draws and two league wins is good work. We knew Blackpool was going to be a difficult game, but I thought we were terrific.

"It could have been a few more in the end and I think we've all been in games like that. But it's important when we get opportunities that we take them, and that's what happened. I think from the derby games last season we only took one point, but that's three now already, which is pleasing."

Coyle also had words for his two goal scorers. "Graham came in for some criticism early in the season, very unfairly in my view because he is a model professional and I can't praise him highly enough," he said.

"I'm also pleased for Martin because he worked ever so hard. I still think I can improve him, but he's only 21 and he will get better. I have a striker though who is hungry now to be the top scorer and I thought he really benefited from Steven Thompson's play.

"That is two games he has given his all and he adds a new dimension to us, so we are very pleased with how that's going. We know we have players from all departments capable of scoring goals, so overall it is just very pleasing."