The Andy Lochhead column

LOSING can quickly become a habit and any team suffering a blip needs to get that vital win under their belt to stop the rot and move forward again.

The recent victory at Leeds was as rewarding as it was unexpected, since it keeps the Clarets' head above water in their recent point-per-game ratio.

But now Burnley really need to press home their territorial advantage against Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Like us, they are struggling at the wrong end of the table, making this a real six-pointer. And it's becoming apparent that the first goal is crucial to the outcome of any game involving Burnley.

It's six league games since the Clarets grabbed that all-important opener, dating back to the draw at Ipswich Town.

Since then, the boys have been chasing every game and only come up trumps once.

The encouraging thing is that the chances are still being created. Robbie could - and probably should have added to his eight goals in the recent games, while Richard Duffy is looking a useful attacking ally in the absence of Ian Moore.

As always, that elusive big man would make all the difference, so it might be a good time to consider using Mr Versatile, Graham Branch, as a battering ram for a few games.

The one area of the field where Steve does still have options is in the middle of the park, where, if I'm not mistaken, Graham has occupied every role so far this season.

And I recall the two goals in three games he grabbed last month, which will have done his confidence no end of good.

So maybe Steve should look to ride on that feelgood factor and throw Branchy up top to use his height, mix it up and maybe cause a few problems. It would also take the weight off Robbie, who is badly in need of a goal himself after going a rare six games without finding the net.

Of course, that all depends on who Steve can call on among his walking wounded this weekend.

There is the advantage that, for once, we don't have a midweek game to think about and that might mean a player who is borderline fit playing and then having a few extra days to recover.

But at least mixing and matching keeps the opposition on their toes and one other advantage Steve has is that Forest must be scratching their heads at the formation and personnel we can put out!

I caught sight of Mick Harford sitting in the stand at Turf Moor on Tuesday and it would be interesting to see what he took back to the City Ground that he and Joe Kinnear can put to use.

They played extra time on Wednesday night against Fulham, so going into the game it's advantage Burnley.

Now we need to make sure it's game, set and match.