BOSS Eddie Howe has encouraged Burnley to use Blackpool’s top six celebrations as an incentive to host their own promotion party next season.

The Tangerines staged a lap of honour after guaranteeing their place in the play-offs with one game to go, thanks to Saturday’s 4-0 win over the Clarets at Bloomfield Road.

For Howe the frustrations extended beyond failing to match a club record of 11 league away wins. Not only was it the first time his team had lost by more than two goals this season, but the result deeply flattered the Seasiders.

At least two of the goals could have been prevented, while Burnley failed to capitalise on a number of chances, particularly in the first half.

“At half-time we were trying to work out how we were behind,” said Howe.

“I thought we asked a lot of questions of Blackpool and put crosses into the box from both sides of the pitch and had some great chances, and really we were unfortunate to come in behind.

“For the first half I thought we were very good, especially down the right hand side with Ross (Wallace) and Tripps (Kieran Trippier) combining really well. Charlie (Austin) was unlucky on a few occasions.

“The goalkeeper had a good day. He made some good saves, and we hit the post as well.

“The rest of the half we feel we’re knocking the door and going to score any second, and then we find ourselves 2-0 down and it’s a difficult second half.

“Not only do we feel we should be ahead at half-time, two minutes into the second half we’re 2-0 down.

“It’s very difficult for us then.

“We’re disappointed, probably, with our reaction from then on in probably because it was a tough second half from us from then.

“The second half against Ipswich and spells in the second half here are probably the low points of the season.”

But Howe insists Burnley cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves if they are to mount any sort of challenge next season.

“I think we can use today (Saturday) as an incentive,” said the Clarets boss.

“We want to achieve what Blackpool have achieved next season.

“You can see the atmosphere in the ground, the positivity around the place, and that’s going to be our aim now going into next season.

“I think that’s how we have to look at it.

“We have to use today’s disappointment, as I’ve said before at times this season, as our motivation.

“We’re not in there, but we feel we have the players capable of doing that, so we’ve got to make sure this makes us stronger.”