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Burnley, as expected, included the experienced Brian Jensen, Jon Harley, Steve Jones and Joey Gudjonsson and there was also a surprise name in the line up, that of trialist Dean Grubb who lined up on the right wing. Grubb is a Welsh Under-19 international who was previously with Bristol City.
Tranmere started the brighter of the two sides although they hadn't created much in the way of chances until they went in front on twenty minutes. Regular scorer Terry Gornell hit a superb effort into the corner to Jensen's left, giving him no chance.
We struggled to get back into the side, we gave the ball away too easily and there was little in the way of chances, although Jay Rodriguez came close with a stunning effort from all of forty yards. It left the keeper helpless but went just over the bar.
Tranmere had a couple more chances but in the last few minutes of the first half we came close twice. Firstly Steve Jones got in a good cross but Rodriguez hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper and then Jones got in a hard low cross that no one was able to turn in.
It was almost 1-1 in the first couple of minutes of the second half. Gudjonsson's effort was deflected to Grubb but his shot was scrambled away by the keeper. Much of the play was towards the Tranmere goal but we just couldn't find that equaliser and when the next goal did come it ensured the points were going to the visitors.
The second was scored by former Huddersfield Town player Adnan Ahmed, a Burnley born midfielder who joined Tranmere this year. He hit home following a left wing cross.
Jones almost pulled one back when he hit a screamer that smashed against the bar. It proved to be the last chance and the game ended 2-0. A win would have taken us back to the top of the league.
We are next in action in two weeks when we travel to Rossendale United to play Rochdale whilst the next home game is against Bury in four weeks time.
The teams were;
Burnley: Brian Jensen, Dean Stott, Dan Brown, Chris Lynch, Jon Harley, Dean Grubb, Joey Gudjonsson (Chris Anderson 62), Adam Kay, Steve Jones, Jay Rodriguez, Rob Turner (Wes Fletcher 72). Subs not used: Jonathan Sergeant, Tom Bradley, Alex MacDonald.
Tranmere: Shane McWeeney, Luke Denson, Carl Tremarco, Danny Holmes, Ashton Taylor, Paul Henry, Mike Jones, Adnan Ahmed, Mike Blundell, Terry Gornell, Aaron Cresswell. Subs: Josh Macauley, Peter Kennedy, Danny Moran, Dave Wilson, Joel Richardson.
