A fan's-eye view from Turf Moor, with Stephen Cummings

THE Clarets' supporter who spoke to me beneath a packed Jimmy McIlroy Stand prior to kick off, was running on pure adrenelin "I couldn't sleep last night" he said excitedly, "I've been like this all week."

Following Burnley's subsequent defeat, I very much doubt that he managed to get much kip on Saturday night either.

It was, of course, typical Burnley. Of all football clubs, perhaps only Manchester City have historically had a greater propensity for building themselves up only to shoot themselves spectacularly in both feet. The signings of Ian Cox and in particular Ian Wright have given a new impetus to the promotion charge. Along with attendances, hopes and expectations (already high at Turf Moor) have gone through the ceiling.

The atmosphere in the town has been tangibly feverish. A sold-out derby game against fellow promotion hopefuls should have been the platform to launch an assault for a top two place.

Instead it is the play-offs which now offer Burnley their greatest chance of escape.

The Clarets did not perform well on the day. Preston seemed one step ahead in all departments. And without the imperious Mitchell Thomas to marshal the back line, the defence seemed somewhat rudderless.

That having been said, conceding a goal after 90 seconds and playing the majority of the game with 10 men can hardly have been part of Ternent's tactics. Still, it is futile to linger on Saturday's defeat. What matters now is cementing our play-off spot starting tonight against Luton. With Thomas back from suspension it should be business as usual in defence. What intrigues is who will play up front assuming Burnley revert to a 3-5-2 system?

Since Andy Payton's three-match absence, Burnley have failed to score in two of those games - the only goals being a rare Davis double at Colchester. 19-goal Payton is a proven and effective marksman. He must start.

Which means Andy Cooke and Ian Wright must fight for the remaining place.

Both strikers have performed well in Payton's absence, yet in 270 minutes of football, neither has scored. Cooke and Payton is tried and tested (and successful) partnership, with Cooke doing much of Payton's legwork.

Interestingly, when Wright signed, Ternent said he wanted "17 times one and a half hours" from the striker and it is hard to envisage Wright being happy with a bit-part in the bench.

Sadly, Andy Cooke could miss out. Anyone for three up front?

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