BURNLEY'S Ben Mee admitted a slow start was what cost his side as they were beaten by two first half goals against Everton.

Both goals came in the opening 20 minutes which was too much of an obstacle for Burnley to overcome as Sean Dyche's lost their last away game of the season at Goodison Park.

Premier League safety was already assured, Mee praised the huge effort everyone at Burnley has shown since the 5-1 defeat to the Toffees at Turf Moor on Boxing Day.

"The lads have been fantastic overall," said the defender. "We always do things right and we want to do that all the way to the end of the season.

"It's been a big effort; a massive effort from everyone at the club, from the position we found ourselves in, and it's up to us now to see out the season strong."

Dyche's men finish their season at home to Arsenal on Sunday where they will be looking to end the season on a high in front of the home faithful.

The Toffees secured a fourth successive home win after a deflected goal off Mee before Seamus Coleman nodded in from close range for the second.

Burnley fought back after half time, but the deficit proved too much and Dyche's side couldn't find a goal to unsettle the Toffee's as substitute Matej Vydra was denied what looked a clear looking penalty after a shove from ex-Claret Michael Keane.

"The first 20 minutes cost us. We didn't get going at all and they started strong with the crowd behind them," said Mee.

"We couldn't get out of our half for 20 minutes and they scored two poor goals from our point of view.

"It's a tough place to come and, being their last home game, the crowd were up for it, so we found it difficult.

"We always do things right as a team and as a club and we were just a bit off it early in the game."

The centre half didn't have much luck in the game as his knee deflected Richarlison's off target effort beyond Tom Heaton and in to the bottom corner of the goal.

"It was disappointing, but you have to try and get in the way of shots," Mee said.

"Maybe it was a bit of a leg dangled, but you have to try and get in the way. I try and get in the way of everything I can and unfortunately it took it back into the goal."