FITNESS and lack of effort let Burnley down at Thornton Cleveleys as the let a 15-point lead slip to heighten the own relegation worries.

Burnley got off to a flyer thanks to an early penalty and good try from the strong running Antony Stephenson before taking their foot off the peddle and letting their hosts back in.

After the break, Burnley scored another try through Jonathan Doney, converted by Gus Ferguson, and they appeared to be heading for victory.

Those hopes were raised when, after a period of sustained pressure, Bruce James crashed over to score.

But Burnley relaxed and let Thornton come back in to the game. Instead of killing the game, Burnley conceded two silly penalties which led to a last minute try as Thornton ran out 24-22 winners.

THORNTON CLEVELEYS...24

BURNLEY XV...22