Burnley Reserves 1 Grimsby Town Reserves 0

STEPHEN Grant's first goal for the club got Burnley off to a winning start in their Pontin's League Premier Division campaign last night.

Grant struck shortly before the break following good work by Paul Weller to seal the points.

However, the Clarets were equally indebted to keeper Craig Mawson, who made a string of fine saves to keep the Mariners at bay.

The breakthrough came when Weller, making his first appearance at this level since stomach surgery, collected the ball following a corner and following a neat piece of skill chipped the advancing keeper to leave Grant with a simple tap-in.

Brad Maylett went close to doubling the lead with a volley and then shortly after half-time his cross gave Anthony Shandran a heading chance which he directed over the top.

Grimsby then hit back but couldn't find a way past Mawson as the visitors were denied what would have been a deserved point.

Clarets reserve team coach Mick Docherty was pleased to get off to a winning start, although admitted that the lack of match sharpness in a few players returning from injury took its toll as the game progressed. "To use the old cliche we will probably play better than that and lose," he said.

As well as winning the game, plus points for the Clarets came in the shape of 90-minute run-outs for Weller, Chris Brass and Mark Robertson.

Burnley: Mawson, Robertson, Smith (Scott), Brass, Williamson, Maylett, Mullin (Kevan), Weller, Branch, Grant, Shandran.

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