COLIN Waldron put Burnley back in the big time with his equaliser at Preston North End, a result which also ensured their rivals' Second Division survival.

The Clarets had been out of the top flight for two years after ending a 24-year run in the First Division in 1971.

During the 1971/72 season there were few signs of an immediate revival, but having no less than six ever-present players helped to inspire consistency throughout the following term, with Alan Stevenson, new signing Keith Newton, Colin Waldron, Jim Thomson, Frank Casper and Leighton James starting all 42 league games. Martin Dobson and Paul Fletcher were close behind with 41 and 40 league appearances respectively.

Promotion was guaranteed as early as April 16 at home to FA Cup finalists Sunderland when a Paul Fletcher brace secured a 2-0 win.

April was a jam-packed month for Burnley, who had fixtures on 14, 16, 20, 21 and 24 before wrapping things up with a trip to Deepdale on 28.

They made the short trip to Preston on the back of five wins and five clean sheets with 12 goals in the bag that month, so optimism was high, despite QPR being hot on the title trail.

The pitch had been narrowed by six yards, the middle of the playing surface had been heavily watered and Preston packed their defence with eight players.

But Burnley, having been led out through a Lilywhites guard of honour by captain Dobson, still found a route to goal - although they had to come from a goal behind to achieve it.

Waldron got the all-important equaliser soon after the break to cancel out Alec Bruce's first-half strike, which was the first goal the Clarets had conceded in six outings.

The Clarets needed a point to be crowned Second Division champions, Preston needed a point to stay up ahead of Huddersfield.

Job done.