BURNLEY RESERVES 2 WOLVES RESERVES 1 JOHN Mullin underlined his eye for goal with a stunning strike to help the Clarets reserves to victory over a useful Wolves side last night in the Avon Insurance League Premier Division.

Mullin has had to be content with a place on the bench for first-team duty in recent times but enjoyed a 60-minute run-out at Turf Moor highlighted by the opening goal on the stroke of half-time.

Having robbed Graham Ward, Brad Maylett slipped the ball to Mullin who progressed to curl a 25-yarder beyond Mike Stowell.

The striker had earlier seen a header blocked by the Wolves keeper following a Paul Smith cross, while Alex Kevan also shot just wide for the Clarets.

Wolves included a big-money strikeforce of Bob Taylor and Cedric Roussel but Paul Crichton had just one save to make in the first half when gathering a header from experienced midfielder Neil Emblen.

The visitors pressed after the break with Shane Taylor going close before Crichton made an excellent stop from Roussell's volley.

But Burnley hit back and Mullin shook off the Wolves defence again to put an effort just over the top.

Anthony Shandran was then denied by Stowell but the reserves' leading scorer wasted no time in accepting his next opportunity when he put the Clarets 2-0 up after 73 minutes when lifting the ball beyond the stranded keeper from 18 yards.

Wolves replied almost immediately when Colin Larkin headed home but Burnley had done enough to chalk up another home win.

Burnley reserves: Crichton, Scott, Smith, Brass, Davis, Boardman, Maylett, West (Leeson 46), Shandran, Mullin (Barrett 60), Kevan (Waine 74).