Justice done for Burnley after Hibbert dives to win Everton penalty (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Justice done for Burnley after Hibbert dives to win Everton penalty

12:30pm Monday 24th August 2009

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OWEN Coyle felt justice was served after Louis Saha’s missed penalty secured three points for the Clarets.

Buoyant Burnley were leading through Wade Elliott’s first-half goal when Everton right back Tony Hibbert took a dive in the box.

Television replays proved there was no contact from Chris McCann, but for the second time in four days goalkeeper Brian Jensen was facing a spot kick.

Having saved Michael Carrick’s spot kick to secure Wednesday’s win over Manchester United, the Dane was relieved to see Saha fire wide of his left hand post.

“There was a big moment with the penalty. I thought during the week it was a penalty for Manchester United but I can’t say I’ve got the same belief (of Everton’s),” said Coyle.

“I’d have to see it back but the players are adamant there wasn’t any contact.

“Having said that it was a gilt-edged chance for Everton to equalise that they’ve passed by, and obviously I’m delighted by that.

“But I thought over the course we deserved it. We started the game at such a terrific pace and with the quality of football we played we had numerous opportunities.

"We cracked the woodwork and (Tim) Howard had a great save low down from (Steven) Fletcher.

“Chris McCann seemed to be everywhere and was getting crosses in.

“I actually thought it was Everton’s best spell of the match when we scored, which shows how quickly this Premier League can change. But I felt over the piece we were worthy of the lead.”

And Coyle is pleased that his appeal to make it difficult for teams at Turf Moor is paying off.

“There’s no doubt the fans have played an unbelievable part again, and we’ll never underestimate that,” he said.

“We are all trying to buy into the same thing at this football club and it’s nice when it all comes together.”

But although Burnley have shot up to seventh in the table with back-to-back wins, the Scot insisted they won’t be getting ahead of themselves.

“It was enjoyable today, it’s another three points, but that’s all it is,” he said.

“We’ve had a great week, but that’s all it’s been. There’s so much more ahead of us, so much hard work. But that’s the great thing about this group of players – they enjoy coming to work, they enjoy working hard.

“It’s Chelsea and Liverpool next, so it doesn’t get any easier. But what it does it puts us up there with six points on the board.

“We have a big Carling Cup game (at Hartlepool tomorrow), followed by a game at Stamford Bridge where we will look to play the same game.

“Everyone had written us off after we lost at Stoke. Everyone would have believed we’d have no points after five games.

“We’ve got 35 more cup finals to come, and there’s no doubt they are because, regardless of the start we've had, we'll still be everybody’s favourites to go down. It’s up to us to try to, hopefully, prove people wrong.

“We know it's a difficult road ahead of us but one we’re looking forward to and we're prepared for the hard work that goes with it.”

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