THE problems that have hit Burnley both on and off the pitch in the opening weeks of the season have already had an impact at the turnstiles.

It is the first time since the Clarets returned to the first division that the gate at Turf Moor has dropped below 13,000 for a League game, the last occasion being two and a half years ago for the visit of Luton Town on March 7 2000.

The attendance of just 12,868 will be another warning sound for a club that already has its back against the wall.

Given the impressive number of season ticket holders at the club that figure would indicate that the number of walk ons at the game was at a very low level.

Ironically the atmosphere created by those who did turn up was better than at many times last season as the fans did their best to lift their side.

Blades boss Neil Warnock commented: "In the second half the home fans really got behind their team and it was a bit like the Alamo. We had to defend for our lives."

And Clarets boss Stan Ternent agreed: "The supporters were fantastic, they really got behind the lads."

But with the club still struggling financially it is vitally important that the missing supporters are enticed back to Turf Moor as quickly as possible.

Chairman Barry Kilby admitted: "It was an extremely disappointing crowd but I have to say that those who did turn up were great.

"But it is typical that a time when you really need to get people through the turnstiles they are not here.

"That said we are not panicking because the Bank Holiday Saturday is traditionally a poor one in terms of attendance and we do know that quite a lot of season ticket holders did not come."