BURNLEY duly bowed out of the Worthington Cup last night and were also hit heavily in the pocket as a result of a lack of television interest and a small Turf Moor crowd.

But Clarets chairman Barry Kilby took the financial blow on the chin and is still looking forward to breaking even this season.

With Manchester City leading 5-0 from the first leg, Sky Television didn't pursue their interest in screening the return leg live.

And just 3,647 fans turned up to watch a Terry Cooke goal give City a 1-0 win and 6-0 first-round aggregate triumph.

However, any revenue from a cup run would have been an added bonus for the Clarets.

So with the figures already budgeted for, including record commercial income of £1 million, Kilby is confident of turning around last year's loss of £500,000.

"It's disappointing (to go out) but just by looking at the budget we had that one marked down and from experience we were proved right.

"We lost a lot of money at the gate last night and and with the television not turning up but that's football.

"Sky had it as one of their reserve games and if it had been close I think they would have taken it.

"But that's why you do need your commercial side firing to maximise efficiency because you can't rely on football," said the chairman. And Kilby confirmed that breaking even while financing a promotion challenge remains the target.

"We hope to do that," he added.

"I could make a profit at Burnley tomorrow if we slashed the wage bill but we want to get a team that will get us up there. It's a very fine balance.

"We were losing more than £10,000 a week at the end of last season. The expenditure has been held and we will obviously negate that with the increased revenue.

"We've had record season ticket sales, the commercial side is performing, box sales and shirts are up, anywhere you want to put your finger on we're moving forward.

"We are looking to at least double our commercial revenue and we are on track with that."

And while off the field Burnley are in good shape, Kilby is also optimistic about the Clarets' prospects where ultimately it matters most - on the pitch.

"We've had a good start. We've a much stronger squad than last season.

"It shows with the injuries we've had to key players that we've got the replacements to compensate and that gives me confidence," he added.

Burnley, without the injured Andy Cooke and Steve Davis, showed their strength in depth by resting the likes of Andy Payton, Paul Cook and Paul Smith for last night's game. And while City also rung the changes, Burnley competed on an even footing without ever threatening to significantly close the aggregate margin on a competitive but low-key evening.

"I think we gave a good account of ourselves. We were chasing what was a lost cause after the second half at Man City so all-in-all I thought they acquitted themselves very well.

"Man City just had to keep it how they did and we had a chance or two, certainly a penalty on Glen Little which I felt was a blatant one," said Burnley boss Stan Ternent.

"I was quite satisfied with the performance and as I keep saying they will get better. I was disappointed for the players that they lost the game because they didn't deserve to lose the game.

"We lost to a mis-hit goal and Man City seem to have that sort of a sign over us.

"But overall the players did quite well. A few needed the game so it's been a good exercise.

"They can only benefit from playing matches like that and City are a very good side. And it's better that than losing in the league."

Former Burnley striker Phil Eastwood claimed his first goals for Morecambe with a first-half hat-trick in the Shrimpers' 3-2 Conference win over Hereford United at Christie Park last night.

Burnley Supporters Club travel details for Monday's game at Bristol Rovers are: Leave Colne 8am, Nelson 8.10, Queensgate 8.15, Burnley 8.30, Tim Bobbin 8.35, Rawtenstall 8.50. Members £12.50, non-members £14.50, concessions £10.50. Bookings to Fraser Eagle (day) or Trevor Hartley (evening) on 01282 455340.

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