THEY may have come in for criticism in the past few weeks but Burnley's fans have the chance to make a real impact when the Clarets take on Lancashire rivals Preston North End at Turf Moor tomorrow.

The travelling fans were magnificent during the 3-2 win at Deepdale in December and Stan Ternent is hoping that the home support will be able to roar them to a first home win in the space of three months.

"We need the home crowd to get behind us," he said. "I have said it before, they are worth an extra man when they are behind us but like a man against if they are not.

"This is a massive game and we need all the support we can get and I know our fans will come through."

Ternent was particularly upset by the reaction to the 1-1 home draw against another promotion chasing side Norwich City in the last home game a fortnight ago.

In addition chairman Barry Kilby criticised the boo-boys in his programme notes for that match and, since his outburst, a number of fans have spoken out in support of the manager in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Tomorrow is a great chance for everyone in the claret and blue to stand up and be counted. The fans from the other end of the M65 have been slow to take up their full allocation of tickets for the game and so the numerical advantage will be massive in favour of the home team.

The club has invited Deepdale Duck to take on Bertie and Bumble Bee in a challenge that is hoped will get the atmosphere going and provide the platform for the fans to get behind their team.

Now is the time when there is little margin for error on or off the pitch. The Burnley fans performance against Preston last season is one that has been hailed as one of the best of recent times.

Accordingly the team did the business on the park winning 3-0 with goals from Glen Little, Ian Moore and Kevin Ball.

The message from the manager is simple to both the players and the fans - same again please!