IT was Sam Vokes’ turn to be the hero at the start of October as he made a triumphant return to Southampton.

Vokes is from that part of the world. Dad Tim is a Saints fan and former season-ticket holder and Sam has enjoyed his own trips back with Burnley, twice scoring in defeat in the FA Cup and the league.

This time though he scored a goal that really mattered and then took great delight in celebrating in the corner of St Mary’s where his dad and his mates sit.

It was another textbook away day display from Burnley. They had made sure virtually nothing of note happened in the opening half hour on the south coast, quietening down the St Mary’s crowd before beginning to impose themselves on the game.

After 65 minutes Ashley Barnes and Vokes came off the bench and it was the latter who brilliantly headed home the winner nine minutes from time, getting enough power on his effort to beat the scrambling, flat-footed Fraser Forster.

Again the international action got in the way. When your team are flying the international break can be an unwanted distraction. Who cares about England anyway? What’s that? Jack Cork is in the squad!

The much-deserved call-up for the midfielder was another sign of Burnley’s progress. Cork had never been in the England picture at Swansea, but in three months of playing Premier League football for Burnley there he was, and making his debut off the bench against world champions Germany at Wembley as well.

Cork was following Tom Heaton and Michael Keane as Clarets making the international grade in recent times and there would be more to follow.

The international break was less enjoyable for the Irish contingent. Memories of their win in Wales were wrecked when they were thrashed by Denmark in the play-off.

But by this stage Cork was writing his own scripts. As former side Swansea made the trip to Turf Moor the 28-year-old was in the thick of the action once again.

He was heavily involved in another lovely team goal, creating space in midfield before finding Ashley Barnes, who found Robbie Brady and his cross was headed home by that man Cork. You just couldn’t keep him out of the headlines.

A routine victory was sealed through Barnes’ fierce half-volley before the break to make it three wins in a row.

Next up it was Arsenal at Turf Moor and it was a familiar feeling for the Clarets.

The Gunners were late arriving on a miserable day in East Lancashire and Burnley looked to take advantage with a rapid start, but they couldn’t force the breakthrough.

With two added minutes signalled at the end of the game it looked like a point, but we should know better against Arsene Wenger’s men. For the third game in a row Arsenal snatched a controversial injury-time winner against Burnley.

James Tarkowski may have briefly had his hands on Aaron Ramsey in the box, but the Welshman made the most of the contact. Lee Mason pointed to the spot and Alexis Sanchez broke Burnley hearts once again.

Just like they had in October the Clarets made sure November had a neat symmetry, the month starting and ending with a win on the south coast.

Sean Dyche’s side were always in control at Dean Court against Bourmemouth. Chris Wood put them ahead on 37 minutes before Brady made it two 20 minutes into the second half with a fine right-footed drive. Josh King pulled one back late on but the result was never in doubt.

It was at Bournemouth that the travelling Clarets struck up the first notes of 'we're all going on a European tour'. Don't be silly now, it will never last.