One satisfying journey home

Last updated : 19 September 2007 By Dave Blackburn
Chris McCann
Chris McCann - put the game beyond doubt
There are few times in a season when you're going out to inflict a side's six successive defeat and being in such a position often inspires an odd sense of worry. It's agreed that conceding early is a no-no. Fortunately, Wednesday didn't look like scoring early and Burnley were able to control the game early on. The first half was punctuated by very few chances for Wednesday, and those that did crop up were evidently not easy enough for a strike partnership, Jeffers and Sodje, that will take some beating as the worst in the league this season.

Indeed, it was only 15 minutes until Burnley scored. Some of the fantastic footwork of Robbie Blake was used to found some space in a crowded area and in his true style he took the goal, though unusually on his left foot. Everything about the goal screamed style and panache, and the relief was plain to see on Blake's face, his first league goal since returning in the summer.

After the goal, Burnley seemed to ease off the gas a bit. This was the problem on Saturday against Blackpool but fortunately, as mentioned, Wednesday failed to take advantage of Burnley's spells of poor play. The real difference from Saturday was in the central midfield - the players were the same but you wouldn't have known it watching them. Alexander looked much more comfortable and McCann showed a willingness to get involved that could take him far.

So, half time came and Burnley led. We've known that situation a lot and seen the second half go either way, but fortunately within minutes of the restart Burnley had put the game beyond doubt. After a well worked kick off routine (wouldn't it be nice to see Burnley play a well worked kick off?) and a couple of corners from Wednesday, Blake chased a long ball that the defender missed, stopped it just before it went for a goal kick, beat said defender and gave Chris McCann a chance from just yards out. McCann wasn't going to miss and on 48 minutes Burnley led 2-0.

Again, Burnley failed to continue after scoring a goal, but thanks to ineffectual play from the opposition (Jeffers and Sodje were eventually replaced by Burton and Tudgay. Indeed, they were clapped off by some Burnley fans) the result never really looked in doubt.

Joey Gudjonsson replaced the impressive McCann and Spicer was brought on for Lafferty but still Burnley failed to impose themselves on the game again and get the big scoreline we would have so liked. Undeniable man of the match Blake was replaced by Ade Akinbiyi (fast resuming his Cult Hero status) who looked sharp but failed to force himself a chance and a nervy late free kick forcing what must contend for save of the season from the returning Gabor Kiraly (our best keeper, no questions asked) after Carlisle had panicked on the edge of the box (sound familiar?) and earned himself a yellow card.

That card was one of few the referee got right. Alexander was struck in the air but a drop ball was awarded, yet Lafferty was seemingly given a caution for having his foot off the ground. Jordan and Alexander too could have some qualms about there bookings, especially considering that Sheffield Wednesday players seemed to be getting away with similar affairs.

All in all, though, it was a professional performance for Burnley, and only positives can be taken from the game. A 'keeper played who doesn't self-destruct every other game, the defence looked steady, the midfield pulled itself together and in Gray and Blake we surely have one of the most dangerous strike forces in the league.

Three points, two goals and one satisfying journey home.