Burnley 4 Ipswich Town 2
Mmm, savour that cold revenge!
The statistics said...
In an exciting, goal-laden game, we beat 'Joe Royle's Ipswich' 4-2 at the Turf.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Clarets were 3-0 up just after the hour mark, following goals from Glen Little (26), David May (28) and Richard Chaplow (61). At that point, even the most optimistic Blues fan could have been forgiven for believing it was all over...
...but hey, this is Burnley we're talking about! The Tractor Boys got a goal back via Tommy Miller in the 65th minute, and then another via Martijn Reuser's stunning 88th-minute free kick. Matt Richards then hit the post, and Clarets everywhere feared the worst.
Happily, although Ipswich had a couple more chances, the next goal was Burnley's. Robbie Blake netted in stoppage time to put the game beyond Ipswich's reach.
We're now up to 17th in the table, although the bottom third remains very tight. Fingers crossed that we can get something against Reading and Millwall.
Our survey said...
Jules:
It's never easy, is it? What should have been a formality of a win nearly went horribly wrong. We played well up front, but looked a bit shaky at the back.
But we held on for three glorious points, and the goal from Chaplow will be talked about for years to come. Well done, boys!
Michael:
Today was one of those days that make it all worthwhile. The early start, the long journey, the excess alcohol, the junk food, the late return home: they all become worth the effort when it turns out like this.
A great match, a fine Burnley performance and a deserved win. Admittedly we tried to throw it away, by stopping playing after the referee failed to award a cast-iron penalty when we were 3-0 up. At 3-2 it was blind-panic-headless-chicken stuff, but we got a lucky break when Ipswich hit the bar and then - something which Burnley never ever normally do - we got a late goal to seal it. I was out of my seat before Blake put the ball in the net.
One of those games where it's difficult to pick a man of the match, as everyone played pretty well (apart from Jensen). It's gratifying to see Grant playing so well; he's been consistently excellent all year and at last is justifying Stan's faith in him. I worry about Ian Moore's continued inability to exercise basic control over the ball, but his work rate goes a fair way (only) towards absolving him.
To conclude: you stayaway London Clarets (we only had 6 on the trip) should be ashamed of yourselves - get your a***s in gear and go to the Turf.
Mike:
A great win - I only had to worry during the last few minutes, as we nearly 'did a Tottenham'! We saved some money, too, as the floodlights weren't needed.
The only negatives were Jensen's keeping and the fact that sub Bradley Orr does not look match fit.
Dermot:
A good, entertaining game, which we deserved to win. Even after going 3-0 up, though, we still managed to nearly lose the game, with some awful goalkeeping errors. However, we scored a good goal on the break to wrap things up.
Pauline:
OK, I was one of those 'stayaway' supporters, so I probably shouldn't comment. However, I can't resist the opportunity to slag off one of my least favourite people: Joe 'Logic-Free Zone' Royle. (You know: "I do not approve of female officials in professional football... Wendy Toms has never been taken from behind by a 14-stone centre half", and other similar 'pearls'.)
Interviewed on TV after the game, Mr Royle complained - oops, commented: "We had a six-hour journey yesterday, but that's no excuse".
So why mention it, then? And you did say 'yesterday', didn't you? So, you and your players spent six hours on a luxury coach on Friday. You then spent the night at a hotel, perhaps did a bit of light training, and then turned up at Turf Moor around 2pm on Saturday. Goodness, any wonder you didn't win. You poor things.
Of course, Joe, teams like Burnley (who have tried to take the honourable route out of debt, rather than stiffing their creditors by going into administration) probably wouldn't be able to afford the luxury of travelling down the day before. Perhaps you could think for a bit next time, before you open your mouth?
Paddy:
We won because I didn't drink before the game. This is the third time this season that I haven't drunk any alcohol before the game, and each time we've won.
OK - I didn't go. Pauline was ill. But the rule still applies!
Pic of the day: new London Clarets merchandise available!
Paddy won't be going to any more games this season. This will ensure that he doesn't drink before the game, which in turn will ensure that Burnley win. However, in recognition of the fact that the odd (very odd) person might miss his presence on trips, we've patented a new toy which journeying London Clarets can take with them.
The Paddy Buddy™ is approximately a foot tall. It is independently powered via a spring mechanism, so you won't have to carry it around. It is made from wipe-clean polypropylene, and comes in a choice of colours (shown below in Proud Lancastrian Red).
The Buddy has a number of conversation options, ranging from 'sober and agreeable' to 'drunk and belligerent'. The Buddy needs no maintenance, and is sure to provide you with hours of entertainment.
Coming soon:
The Woody Buddy™ - the ideal keep-fit companion. You'll never keep up with it, but you'll get fit trying!
The Mikey Buddy™ - lives in your wallet and scolds you every time you try to spend any money.
The Chair Buddy™ - deceptively quiet and charming... until exposed to refereeing blunders or 'goal celebration music'.
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 views of the Burnley FC London Supporters' Club.
