Looking good?
Burnley 0 Su'lan' 2
Report by Jo Tomlinson
A crowd of over 6,400 saw Burnley lose to Su'lan' in this pre-season friendly,
but those who did not go should not be discouraged by the result. Although the first half
for both sides was rather like a stroll in the park and lacking any bite, the second half
saw the game come to life somewhat. Su'lan' played an excellent passing game throughout
with some nice movement up and down the field. Their first goal was deserved and well
placed.
We were perhaps rather static at points and
lacked width. However, the second half and the entrance of Glen Little and Alan Lee saw a
much improved Burnley. Glen Little remains a class player. I only hope Su'lan' weren't
looking at him too closely as they couldn't fail to have been impressed. Mitchell Thomas
was excellent again, and handled everything that came his way with precision and solidity.
I think that Alan Lee will be a real asset to Burnley and guess that he will be in the
starting line up for most of the season, if not at the start (as I think that Stan will
stick with the tried and tested duo of Andies to start with). Grant came on again in the
second half and played well. He was always 'where it was at', if you know what I mean.
It was interesting that Stan made no
substitutions at all during the first half. I wondered if the side that started was his
preferred starting line-up and that he wanted to give them a full 45 minutes to play
together? Some surprises if so, as Little wasn't in, Johnrose was in and so was Armstrong.
We'll see.
I'm not entirely sure about West, although
clearly seeing him in two friendlies is not much indication, but again, we'll see.
On the whole, Burnley looked to be a side with
potential. We looked as though we might be strong and solid, and Stan certainly has a
number of options this season, which he lacked last. I just hope that he manages to
engender a spirit of healthy competition rather than one of sulkiness when players get
dropped and others brought in. Time will tell. Really though, with a squad of that number
we ought to be able to take on all sides, wherever their strength lies, if we do our
homework first.
I feel optimistic and positive. I think it looks
good for us this time round.
Team:
Crichton, West (Robertson 70), Thomas, Mellon (Smith 68), Davis, Armstrong (Little 46),
Mullin (Mellon - yes, again - 80), Cooke (Cook 46), Payton (Branch 46) (Grant 75),
Johnrose (Lee 46), Cowan (Jepson 68).
London Clarets Man
of the Match: Thomas
