Two Clarets in Team of the Week

Robbie Blake wins place in the team on his first 90 minutes for the Clarets

Quite often the selection for this team has been heavily questioned, remember last season Robert Prosinecki won a place for his performance at Turf Moor and once again it has to be said it is a surprise to see goalkeeper Marlon Beresford in the team.

Not as though Marlon got anything wrong at Pride Park but it was hardly as if he was required to turn in a Man of the Match type of performance. It is difficult to believe that some goalkeeper somewhere in the First Division didn't have more to do than Marlon did.

In naming him for the team the Football League said, "Making a debut for the Clarets after signing a month's contract following his release from York City, Beresford conceded a goal only eight minutes into his first match at Derby, but just before that he superbly kept out Adam Murray from point-blank range. He was never beaten again though as Burnley recorded an excellent 2-1 victory."

It is worth pointing out that the superb save he made from Adam Murray was no such thing. Murray's effort hit the post and went out for what should have been a goalkick and not a corner. Derby their goal following the corner.

As for Robbie Blake, he fully deserved to find his name in this week's team after turning in a superb performance in his first 90 minutes for the Clarets.

This time there is no argument with the choice and the League said of Blake, "It may only have been a penalty but Blake's goal for the Clarets in their 2-1 victory at Derby was his first goal for the club in 13 games. He was making his first start of the season at Pride Park and justified his selection with a tremendous display and reminded fans just why Stan Ternent paid Bradford £1 million for his services back in January."

The full Nationwide First Division Team of the Week was: Marlon Beresford (Burnley), Paul Hurst (Rotherham), Rob Scott (Rotherham), Adrian Williams (Reading), Shaun Murphy (Sheffield United), Michael Tongue (Sheffield United), Muzzy Izzett (Leicester), Andy Hessenthaler (Gillingham), Paul Merson (Portsmouth), Robbie Blake (Burnley), Tommy Smith (Watford).

There was also a former Claret in the Division Two team, Micky Mellon winning a place in midfield after his performance for Tranmere against his old club Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. This despite Tranmere losing the game 3-0.