SO now it’s official. Burnley really are a better side when playing away from Turf Moor.

Everybody’s been saying it all season. But yesterday’s thoroughly deserved 2-1 victory against Doncaster made it a statistical truth.

The Clarets have now picked up 31 points on the road; three more than they have when playing in front of their own supporters.

Only followers of Reading and West Ham have enjoyed more away day fun.

Those teams are both vying for second place, of course, which is exactly what Burnley could have been doing had they not suffered from such indifferent home form.

The Championship shows Burnley tantalisingly close to the sixth play-off spot. And it’s difficult not to think of what might have been, had Eddie Howe’s men not shot themselves in the foot by conceding late goals and making avoidable errors.

Still, enough negativity. The Clarets have just enjoyed an excellent Easter, which was as surprising as it was welcome, as anybody who had the misfortune of enduring the first hour against Birmingham last week will testify.

There were a number of positives.

Refusing to be bullied or intimidated by Brighton spoke well of the team’s collective spirit and character.

Efficiently putting away a poor Doncaster outfit, where previous Burnley sides would have taken pity and rolled over, was also pleasing.

Perhaps most encouraging was the introduction of teenagers Cameron Howieson, Steven Hewitt and Shay McCartan who celebrated turning professional with substitute appearances.

The importance of youth development cannot be overstated for a club in Burnley’s financial position.

Sadly, it appears increasingly likely that one such success story may have played his last game for the Clarets. But with Jay Rodriguez sidelined, it’s good to know that it least appears that there is still a natural goalscorer at the club.

Charlie Austin now has 16 for the season and Danny Ings has also turned in a string of promising performances.

Let’s hope they can help dispatch an ailing Coventry side on Saturday.