So near and yet so far

Star Geezer - Paul Weller

With the three main contenders all winning their games, it was the Clarets who lost out by a single goal margin. Clarets to a man, strained every sinew in every muscle to make today a success, the size of the task not lost on any member of the team today and fully deserving of the standing ovation afforded to them in their lap of honour at the end.

Whilst it should never have come down to this, Clarets performance over the second half of the season is the sorry tale as to why the season ends rather flat in late April, rather than in other circumstances. This though should not detract from a home performance and a game that reminds you why football is such an encapsulating game. Quite how, or why, some people leave before the end is beyond me.

Kicking off were the team that finished at Grimsby, with Paul Cook returning to the squad, making the bench in place of the absent Tony Grant. For the sky blues, it was a makeshift team put out by the new management duo, trying to avert a sixth successive away defeat, Lee Hughes continuing on the subs bench, in a mix of the old and some new, Magnus Hedman in goal and the experienced Steve Dunn the man in the middle.

In what was a tense opening, Clarets set the pace of the game by trying to release Moore and Johnson whenever possible, Moore's first run at Shaw earning a free kick at the same time as news filtered in that Stockport were already down to ten men. Johnson's eagerness to press forwards got the better of him on more than one occasion, the linesman pointing in his direction all too frequently. There was though cause for concern at the other end and we were all very grateful to Weller as he headed off the line from a well taken corner.

On the quarter hour, Briscoe looked to have shut his eyes and ducked, missing Little's inviting cross to him unmarked at the far post and we all took to our seats once again as tensions rose still further. Hedman's fluffed clearance fell straight to Johnson, but his first touch was awful and the chance was gone, though Coventry were clearly rattled by it all, arguing amongst themselves as the pressure mounted on them.

On the half hour, Moore and West tried their luck, before the ball fell to Little, but his left footer was dragged wide from the edge of the area. The wave of pressure continued and within a minute it was Weller's turn. Put clear by West's long through ball he tried an early shot, but Hedman was equal to it and turned the ball away for yet another corner. With half time approaching, Johnson's first touch was again his let down, put in on goal in the move of the half, after good approach play between West, Little and Moore had opened Coventry up down their centre.

Mr Dunn brought a frantic half to a close as news came in that all was not well at Norwich, though Birmingham and PNE were doing their bit for the Clarets cause. Half time saw the sooper dooper launch of the Clarets Foundation, this instead gave way to numerous origami lessons and the launch of many paper aircraft in response to the marketing plan.

Into the second and with no change in squads, or tempo, the game continued its frantic pace in the now bright sunshine. An Arthur injured Eustace was replaced by Trollope only five minutes in, before Nicos Graspos caught a spooned cross rather gratefully under his bar. On the hour mark Mills was booked for hauling down Davis, as Clarets surged forwards in search of the opening goal, the pressure again mounting on Coventry's defenders, though there was little to actually trouble the impressive Hedman.

Thomas was replaced by Taylor and within the two minutes, it proved to be an inspired change, the leading scorer heading home with aplomb at the far post after good wing play by Weller set up West to cross, Taylor's first touch sending the crowd wild, they truly were marvellous moments.

Star Gazer - Mitchell Thomas

Johnson shot just over the angle before West made way for Andy, Andy Payton with fifteen to go. Taylor immediately put him in with a good downward header, but the loose ball would just not sit down in time for the Predator. Gascoigne replaced Moore as the game moved in to the last ten and what a ten it proved to be, as Lee Hughes came in to the game as a late sub.

Like Gareth Taylor earlier, Hughes should have scored with his first touch. Briscoe was caught out on the touchline allowing a two versus two putting hearts in home mouths. Good old Hughes though leaned back and shot over when well placed and the final chance to the visitors passed in good humour.

Down at the other end, Hedman was to have a busy last six hundred seconds. First he dropped Little's long range shot, recovering as the Predator prowled. With three minutes remaining, how or how could they, not have been on the end of Little's tantalising cross across the six yard box with the goal gaping? Johnson seizing yet another poor Hedman clearance was through on goal before being dragged down in the "D" for an obvious foul.

Step forwards Mr Gascoigne, twenty yards out, right side of the area, game moving into injury time, could he make the back pages? The kick was well struck and low to the unguarded side of the goal, but Hedman was equal to it, just, tipping the ball around the post for a good save. Better was to follow within a minute in a repeat situation, this time Little the fouled player. Hedman flung himself to the top corner, tipping away Gascoigne's goal bound shot and the Roy of the Rovers stuff was not to be, this is Burnley after all not Melchester. Mr Dunn ended the game as Clarets fans sung in praise of the team who on the day had given their all, celebrating what has been after all a remarkable season.

Att: 18,751.

Mitchell Thomas. Worked as hard as anyone on the day, but his distribution was generally poor, in what could well have been his final performance.

It should never have come down to a final game decided on by goal difference for the final play off place. Sadly, a return of twenty five points from twenty one games and only three wins in the final eleven home games, is why we are where we are tonight. Sickening to think Clarets have only been out of the top six places on four days this season, today being the first one this calendar year. Can't help but think that Sheff Wed home, Sheff Utd and particularly Walsall away, were those crucial games where key points were squandered.

Paul Weller. His commitment, drive and energy levels, allied to his creativity and desire to get forwards whenever possible, typified the spirit within the side on the day. All the more admirable when thinking he is now to go into hospital for surgery.

Clarets led the table for twelve weeks across the season and I recall looking in disbelief at times, as the gap grew between the chasing pack and the surprise package at that time. Next season I'll be pleased if we only lead for one week, so long as it is in May. Off now to prepare the chin for another season under Stan's tenure.