STEVE Cotterill felt that Burnley's slow start cost them a chance of racing to another away day victory at Crystal Palace.

The Clarets struggled to get out of first gear in a first half similar to last week's sluggish opening 45 minutes at Leicester.

And when Eagles striker Clinton Morrison struck seven minutes before half time to finally break Burnley's resistance, Cotterill's side could find no way back.

"I almost thought it was a non-event where nothing was going to happen," said the Clarets chief.

"In the first half we were too deep, which means we didn't get enough pressure on the ball high enough up the pitch to affect them.

"We didn't play enough on our front foot and when that happens it's difficult for the midfield players to get in touch.

"The first goal was always going to be important, but we were better in the second half and at 1-0 we had a couple of great opportunities to equalise.

"I thought for a stage we had a grip on the game and the crowd were starting to get edgy, but it just wasn't to be unfortunately."

Cotterill felt Burnley's tough recent spell of games was also a factor in only a second defeat in seven matches.

He explained: "When there are a lot of Saturday/Tuesday games in this league and you have done a bit of travelling by the second or third week, it takes its toll on the players.

"We looked slow out of the traps, just as we did at Leicester, and for the majority of this season we've been quick out of the blocks.

"In the second half we were better, but not good enough to go and win the game in the end.

"We've had five unbelievable matches recently - Ipswich, Wolves, Leeds, Leicester and Crystal Palace - so we knew it was going to be a tough period, but to be fair we have got results and I am positive.

"I'm right behind them and I think they are an honest bunch of lads, but we are not quite there yet and it's very difficult for us, in five games, to compete with those clubs."

Palace boss Iain Dowie became the latest Championship manager to hint at Burnley lining up with a "game plan" that involves getting players behind the ball and frustrating their opponents.

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell and Wolves counterpart Glenn Hoddle have also cited the tactic after recent games.

But Cotterill rightly insisted: "We are not bad at defending, but never do we set up to be defensive.

"Are people going to tell me that Wade Elliott and Garreth O'Connor can defend? No chance.

"Can John Spicer and Ade Akinbiyi defend? No chance.

"That is four, forward thinking players and they just have to make sure they deal better with the ball."