BURNLEY crashed to their latest remarkable defeat at Turf Moor at the weekend to leave manager Stan Ternent bewildered and bemused.

Some fans were streaming out inside 30 minutes as Burnley went 4-1 down but they only saw a fraction of the drama. Those who did stay were quick to voice their disapproval at the conclusion of the 7-4 defeat.

But the Burnley boss received support from hat-trick hero Gareth Taylor and rival manager Ray Lewington as he looks ahead to tomorrow night's Red Rose derby with Preston North End at Turf Moor.

"I feel gutted for the gaffer and the coaching staff," admitted Taylor who saw the gloss taken off his first senior treble as his side crashed to defeat.

"They are trying all sorts but it is very disappointing, it is very hard to take. I understand the fans frustration, I know how they are feeling. We feel the same, the whole squad is gutted.

"But we are the only ones who can do something about it. We have now got a massive game against Preston tomorrow night and we just have to take this on the chin and get on with it. "

As for Lewington, his side recorded a first league win in nine in spectacular style with a four goal salvo from Michael Chopra, but his thoughts were with his opposite number.

"I felt sorry for Stan, how do you cope with a result like that?" he asked. "I thought the crowd were on his back at the end and he doesn't deserve that.

"He has done a terrific job at Burnley and that is not a very nice thing for a man who has put such a lot into the club."

The match was always going to be the fans first chance to vent their anger over the board's decision to loan out star winger Glen Little but no one could have envisaged yet more Turf turmoil.

The Clarets had already let in five against Reading and six against Rotherham but they now have the worst home defensive record in the division after letting in seven against Watford, 37 goals in just 20 games. Their overall record of 75 conceded is the joint worst alongside relegation threatened Grimsby.

It all meant the gloss was taken off Taylor's day as he claimed his first match ball and was given his own personal ovation on the final whistle.

"The fans have been brilliant with me ever since I joined I just hope that with my performances I have given a bit back," he said. "I have got a brilliant relationship with them and I can promise I am not going anywhere.

"In the last few days people have been asking if I had turned down a move before transfer deadline but I didn't. I love it at Burnley, I have found a place where I want to play and I get on great with the fans and the gaffer."

His hat trick came with two trademark headers and a stunning shot, all before half time, and he admitted: "I have scored a lot of headers at home so it was nice to bang one in with my foot.

"Perhaps it is a hat-trick I will be able to look back on and be pleased but for now, all that matters is beating Preston tomorrow.