Branch thanks Gray's touch

GRAHAM Branch grabbed the glory with his winner at Crystal Palace but a nice touch from fellow striker Phil Gray didn't go un-noticed.

Having been substituted again, lesser men than the Northern Ireland international may have had a dose of the sulks or just pondered the bad luck of picking up a hamstring strain which threatened to keep him out of the action again today.

But Gray made a point of going over to Branch after the final whistle and giving a celebratory hug to a player who's looking to pinch a starting slot.

"You have to play for everyone's else's position but Tippy (Gray) is such a nice fella," said Branch afterwards.

And manager Stan Ternent believes the action reflects the spirit in his squad.

He said: "We all stick together and everyone benefits from winning."

KEVIN Ball enjoyed his stay at Fulham last season, but was still given a hard time on his return to Craven Cottage in mid-week.

The home fans teased the Clarets midfielder over the 3-1 scoreline as they extended their perfect start to the season.

Jean Tigana has instigated a resurgence on the banks of the Thames and with Ball unsure of his place in the Frenchman's plans he took the opportunity of joining Burnley.

Ball said: "Everbody had a chance (of playing). Whether I would have started the season in the position I prefer is another thing. "I spoke to the manager about it and he said he had the squad there and would utilise it as he sees fit.

"So from a point of view of playing regularly I wasn't too sure what would happen. Then the opportunity came to join Stan, although I hasten to add not for (guaranteed) regular first-team football. I think every player has got to earn the right to do that."

ONE Clarets fan on his way to Fulham on Tuesday night apparently told a national radio phone-in that he hadn't stayed on in London after the Palace game because he couldn't miss a day's work on Monday.

He wasn't sure, however, how he was going to get back to Burnley after the game at Craven Cottage given the petrol crisis. I hope he still had a job on Wednesday.

NEXT Wednesday's reserve fixture at Turf Moor will be the Clarets' first Family Fun Night.

West Brom are the visitors and families will receive free admission to the game which kicks-off at 7.15.

Pre-match entertainment on offer will include face-painting, competitons, special offers on catering and Bertie Bee will put in an appearance.

"It's a great way to introduce the family to profesional football in a relaxed style atmosphere," said Burnley's media and public relations manager Danny Reuben. The Clarets reserves have made a perfect start with two wins out of two to date.

Youth cup hopes

ON the contrary, Burnley's youth team have made a disappointing start to the season and this morning were looking for their first point in the Football League's Youth Alliance North-West Conference against fellow strugglers Chester City.

The youth management will be looking for an improvement and are also keen to progress in the cup competitions.

The first round draw for the Lancashire FA Youth Cup has paired the Clarets with Rochdale in a tie that will be played, probably at Turf Moor, before Thursday, October 19.

Burnley don't come into the third round of the FA Youth Cup with their first game due to be played before December 9.