Dodos 1 Bluebirds 1
Olive Branch*
*With thanks to Barbara
The statistics said...
We drew 1-1 at home to Cardiff City. Richard Chaplow put us ahead in the 52nd minute with a close-range finish following a Glen Little cross. However, an error by Graham Branch on the edge of the Clarets' penalty area led to yet another League goal for Robert Earnshaw (76th minute), and ensured that the points were shared.
Our survey said...
:
A game we should have won. An appalling cock-up by Branch, a great finish from Earnshaw, and two points gone.
Chaplow was great, and a worthy Man of the Match. Good to have Glen back, and Arthur was sound at the back. But if Graham Branch is a centre half, I am Leo Sayer.
Firmo:
I'd rather have Leo Sayer playing in central defence than Graham Branch, to be honest. It's becoming a cliché. Each week, we're just waiting for the catastrophic Graham Branch error. It always comes; it's only a question of when. Today, it cost us two vital points in a game which we were going to win.
If, as we're told, Stan has a little bit of money available for further loan signings, I'd like to know why we haven't brought in another central defender. This is, surely, an emergency. We're playing without two central defenders; and week in, week out, it's costing us. This was exactly the kind of game you need to win if you're going to stay out of trouble.
Crappy day on the travel front - so far, I've spent less than an hour in pubs. Can we kick off at three o'clock next time, please?
Barbara:
Burnley offered the olive Branch to Cardiff... oh dear. We were cruising until Graham's predictable error. Two points lost.
Well done, Chaplow and Little; and a good display by Jensen.
Sean:
Graham had a terrible game, but let's keep behind him and the rest of the team. We didn't take Cardiff too lightly - they played hard (erratic, yes), and we didn't let them have what other clubs have given so easily to them. We exposed their frailties, yet failed to reap what we had worked so hard for.
Hozzo:
Wibble, wibble.
Editor's note: It was an early start for Mr Horrocks, and clearly the lack of sleep had had an effect.
Dermot:
After an even first half, with few chances created by either side, Burnley started the second half as if they meant business, Chaplow scoring a good goal after good work by West and Little. The game looked like turning out to be a 1-0 win to Burnley, with Cardiff showing little.
But in a few steps, Branch, with some more of his inept defending, gifted them an equaliser, and encouraged them to finish the stronger.
Richard:
Graham Branch lost Burnley two points which could be vital at the end of the season. All in all, not clearing the ball showed that he obviously had not been listening to the manager's instructions before the match.
Brent:
Today showed us up for what we are: an extremely mediocre side in a mediocre division. Branch's mistake cost us dear, but ultimately the blame lies with Ternent. HE is the manager, and HE picks players to play out of position.
The money moan doesn't cut it any more. You are paid to manage, Ternent, so manage. Stop trying to muddle through, sort out your team, and play players in their proper positions.
To be honest, the entire defence is abysmal. Stop whinging, Ternent, and sort it out, or GO.
Chaplow was excellent: a true prospect at last.
Alan (Cardiff City supporter):
Well, how lucky we were today. When I approached Graham before the game with a bung, how "Little" did I know he would take me seriously - but fortunately, he did.
Branchy for England, I say. That was 50p well spent.
Editor's note: We'd like to thank Alan for contributing to our vox pop.
Poll of the day
Below are two seemingly identical objects - both are wooden, a bit green, and fork up all over the place. Your task is to identify which is the more competent centre half.
Pic of the day
Initially, we wondered why Deputy Dawg was on the London-bound train. Then we realised that it was just Whitto, sporting Sean's (rather odd) hat.
Next week: Firmo in Branchy's shorts (no, really - he bought them on QXL!).
As with all articles on the site, the views expressed in the vox pop section are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Burnley FC London Supporters' Club.
