IT was a massive game against Hull City, with the chance for the Clarets to close the gap at the top. And, boy, did we take it.

Sam Vokes was the difference between the sides when he popped up and netted a great goal in the 77th minute to secure us that win.

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I know there are still 16 games to be played but we are looking strong for the journey ahead of us.

New signing James Tarkowski has been brought in to boost the defence after a month of trying to negotiate his way out of Brentford.

But the present centre-half pairing of Ben Mee and Michael Keane is going to take some shifting.

Ben was nominated for the Championship player-of-the-month award for January — and rightly so. But both of them have been fantastic in the heart of the defence.

They have done a terrific job, and I can only say I am glad Sean Dyche has got that particular selection problem.

But that is what he is there for — to make those decisions — and why the club has rewarded him with a new and improved contract.

I think the board respect what he has done and what he has achieved up to now, with one promotion to the Premier League and on course for a second this year.

It is wonderful news for supporters, and I am sure the players are just as happy with the development.

He knows his players and they respect him and give their all for him out on the pitch.

The Clarets have had a big run of games with Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull all faced in less than a fortnight, and to emerge from that with seven points has put us in a fantastic position.

A point at Hillsborough was a valuable one away from home, and one that I feel strengthened our chances of getting back among the big boys — giving us confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to Reading, where I would not say no to another away point (although all three would be nice).

Special mention must go to Joey Barton. He has been a revelation for us since we got him signed on a free transfer.

I am so pleased he has settled in so well. He has been outstanding in every game he has played.

Meanwhile, a legendary ex-Claret graced the hallowed Turf Moor pitch on Saturday.

The reception Andy Payton got from both sets of fans was absolutely amazing. Well done Andy, you really deserved it.

IT was a massive game against Hull City with the chance for the Clarets to close the gap at the top. And, boy, did we take it.

Sam Vokes was the difference between the two sides when he popped up and netted a great goal in the 77th minute to secure us that win.

I know there are still 16 games to be played but we are looking strong for the journey ahead of us.

Our new signing James Tarkowski has been brought in to boost the defence after a month of trying to negotiate his way out of Brentford.

But the present centre half pairing of Ben Mee and Michael Keane is going to take some shifting.

Ben was nominated for the January Championship player of the season award - and rightly so. But both of them have been fantastic in the heart of the defence.

They have done a terrific job, and I can only say I’m glad Sean Dyche has got that particular selection problem.

But that is what he is there for - to make those decisions - and why the club has rewarded him with a new and improved contract.

I think the board respect what he has done and what he has achieved up to now, with one promotion to the Premier League, and on course for a second this year.

It is wonderful news for supporters, and I’m sure the players are just as happy with the development.

He knows his players and they respect him and give their all for him out on the pitch.

The Clarets have had a big run of games with Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull all faced in less than a fortnight, and to emerge from that with seven points has put us in a fantastic position.

A point at Hillsborough was a valuable one away from home, and one that I feel strengthened out chances of getting back among the big boys - giving us confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to Reading, where I would not say no to another away point (although all three would be nice!) Special mention must go to Joey Barton.

He has been a revelation for us since we got him signed on a free transfer.

I am so pleased he has settled in so well. He has been outstanding in every game he has played.

Meanwhile, a legend ex-Claret graced the hallowed Turf on Saturday.

The reception Andy Payton got from both sets of fans was absolutely amazing. Well done Andy, you really deserved it.