IN the week that saw Sean Dyche win manager of the year and Danny Ings take the Championship player of the year at the Northwest Football Awards, Saturday's precious win at Stoke City clearly demonstrated just why they got the vote.

Sean won the tactical battle over Mark Hughes by taking the game to Stoke in the early stages when most visiting teams put 10 men behind the ball to establish a foothold, hoping to catch them on a counter attack.

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He had obviously done his homework, knowing that a big chunk of their defence were either out or carrying injuries.

Two incisive breaks in as many minutes established a 2-0 cushion within the first 15 minutes - both clinically taken by Ings, a man who seems to be revelling in his role as each week of the season progresses.

With a goal pulled back before half time we all knew it would be like the Alamo for the second period.

But to a man the Clarets defended like demons, guarding Tom Heaton's penalty area like worker bees protect their queen.

It was exceptional defending at its very best with captain Jason Shackell leading by example, heading so many clearances away he was probably still doing it in his sleep when he went to bed that night!

To top off a splendid day I collected my £50 in bets from disgruntled Stoke fans and caned the bookies with my chosen final score of 2-1 at a price of 16/1. And to think some people were even suggesting I was giving my money away!

Look and learn all you doubters, as this team is starting to believe in its capabilities and once more regaining that siege mentality that served them so well last season.

That 'no-one likes us, we don't care' psychology having been adopted by the fans is the glue that binds us and the club together.

So congratulations to 'Team Burnley' for no less than our sixth victory at the Britannia Stadium.

To commemorate such a great achievement myself and local Clarets partied long into the night, ensuring the local economy got a much-needed boost.

As a result, shares of GlaxoSmithKline soared upwards on the stock market as the company announced an unseasonal rush on Andrews Liver Salts for this time of year.

Aston Villa are next up at the Turf, and besides being a team to catch, the added incentive of three Premier League wins on the trot will prove a massive motivational prize.