BOTTOM of the pile, not a point to our name and just a single strike in the goals for column.

With such an unenviable set of stats, you could be forgiven for thinking that the doom and gloom merchants were doing a roaring trade down at Turf Moor, not so.

Because, while the second consecutive home defeat of the season hardly had Clarets supporters cartwheeling down Brunshaw Road, there was much encouragement to be drawn from the performance.

Ternent struck a chord with his wry observation about it being better to be born lucky than skilful.

After taking the lead through a deflected shot in the first half, Warnock's men simply shut up shop in the second period.

So much so that Nik the Greek could have held a bring and buy sale in the Burnley penalty area without fear of being disturbed.

Meanwhile, the Clarets were hitting the crossbar, having shots cleared off the line and being generally frustrated by the annoyingly excellent Paddy Kenny.

Turn in a similar display at the Madejski Stadium this evening, and Burnley will surely come away with at least a point.

One of the Clarets' stars was "new" signing Lennie Johnrose.

Aside from hitting the bar, Lennie linked to play well and produced some of his trademark tough tackling. It was like he'd never been gone. Which he hadn't, really.

Yet the re-signing of the player has raised many questions amongst supporters.

The argument goes that if Johnrose was released at the end of last season because he was not good enough/too injury-prone/too big an earner, then what has changed?

The answer to that question is ostensibly nothing. Signals emerging from the club are confusing.

Early last week, Barry Kilby stated that money would only be made available in a 'dire emergency'.

Yet a couple of days later, Lennie pitches up. The only conclusion to be drawn as that chairman and manager regard Burnley's midfield is an area of dire emergency.

Whatever, the bottom line is that Barry Kilby knows far better than you and I who we can and cannot afford to bring in.

Given his track record during his time at the helm, during which he has done wonders for the club, and given that he has publicly and adamantly stated he will not place the club in financial jeopardy, we must put our trust in the man.