RONNIE Jepson ensured he would not taste relegation for the first time in his career by conjuring up his first goal of the season to keep Burnley in the Second Division.

The well-travelled striker, now with his eighth club, killed off any lingering doubts about the Clarets fate when he sunk Second Division champions Fulham with a late winner at Turf Moor.

"This is the first time I have ever been in a relegation battle," confirmed Jepson, who came off the bench to seal Burnley's fifth win in a nine-match unbeaten run and lift them to 14th in the table.

"It was quite new to me but I have just played my part, running up and down the line moaning at the linesman and things, because Stan keeps sending me.

"But it's brilliant for Burnley Football Club that we are still in this division.

"It's a great relief, superb. We have worked hard in training and haven't let our heads drop when results have gone against us.

"A few weeks ago we thought 49 points would be enough but teams below us have had an unbelievable run of results so it is a great relief."

Jepson's season has been massively disrupted by a ruptured Achilles tendon which kept him hanging on for his first goal of the campaign. But despite that and the importance of his late strike to seal a 1-0 win, Jepson was modesty personified.

"It was nice to get a goal but the lads at the back and in midfield scrapped for that and it was a goal for the team for the hard work they put in," he added.

"Everyone thought Fulham would take it easy but believe me it wasn't. There were a few tackles flying around out there believe me.

"But it was nice to see Burnley match people and get the three points because at the start of the season we went under too easily.

"It's great to get a first goal - it was nice that Stan played me up front for a bit!

"But I have never been an out-and-out goalscorer as such. I have always led the line and other people have got the goals off me.

"It's a great thrill to score a goal but it's not that personal for me. It's more for the team.

"If we keep going and sticking together as a team someone will get a goal and it's for all of us."

Not resting on his laurels, Jepson is already planning a close-season fitness campaign.

"Whether my future is here or wherever I am just looking forward to getting myself fit over the summer and getting this calf built up and just take it from there," added Jepson, 36 next week but surely with a part to play in the Second Division at Turf Moor next season.

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