I EXPECT a goal scorer and bigger nets might be on the top of Mick Molloy's Christmas wish list this year.

For the new Burnley Belvedere boss saw his side squander no fewer than eight clear cut chances and hit the bar twice against in-form Whinney Hill.

Belverdere may be bottom of the table with just one win to their name but the former Colne United manager and brought in a clutch of new players and more importantly, self belief.

In contrast, fifth-placed Whinney Hill, who have lost just twice all season, know they got their Christmas present early as the bar and post came to the rescue -- and big centre back Neil Holmes who did brilliantly to scoop one shot off the line.

Whinney Hill started well and the tigerish Paul Edmundson forced a save out of Ian Wilcock after good build up play involving Chris Grimshaw, Steve Grunshaw and Robert Addison.

Addison also tested Wilcock after a neat swivel in the box after Adam Honeyman worked an opening on the left.

But in between Belvedere squandered their first when Craig Bradshaw held off Paul Jordan but his shot was well saved by Mick Dwyer.

Dwyer then came to Whinney Hill's rescue just before the break when Bradshaw beat the offside but could not beat the keeper who spread himself well.

After the break, Whinney Hill started with three up front but again it was Belvedere who looked the more likely to score.

Their first chance came via left back Luke Walwork who received a pass from Martin Whittaker and then played a clever one-two with Bradshaw but fired wide of the target.

Whinney Hill brought on Andy Darbyshire for the injured Grunshaw and he went close with a shot on the turn from the edge of the area.

Bradshaw flashed one volley wide and had a header saved by Dwyer before Whittaker had a glorious chance to open the scoring.

Quick passing between Jordan Helseltine and Ian McKay released the winger who took his time but lifted the ball over the bar with just the keeper to beat.

Bradshaw then smacked a header against the bar after rising to meet Sean Crorken's cross then had a shot brilliantly cleared off the line by Holmes after he slipped the ball under Dwyer.

Heseltine then had another great chance to give the home side the lead but thudded a shot against the foot of the post with the keeper well beaten.

Whinney Hill were restricted to a few raids but from one they earned a free kick. And Edmundson should have done better when Grimshaw's centre was partially cleared and the midfielder dragged his shot wide.

With the seconds ticking away, Belvedere had one final chance to steal the points but Dwyer again thwarted Bradshaw and Whinney Hill some how took a share of the spoils.

WEST LANCASHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Burnley Belvedere 0 Whinney Hill 0 Ratings Burnley

Belvedere Ian Wilcock (keeper) Made two first half saves but very little to do...6

Alban Molloy (right back) Cool customer on the ball and linked well with midfielders...7

Luke Walwork (left back) Worked hard and nearly scored after excellent run and shot...7

Reece Roberts (centre back) The voice of the team and did a decent job himself...6

Kevin Richardson (centre back) Solid at the back and good understanding with Roberts...6

Sean Crorken (right midfield) Excellent service from wide on the right, especially after the break...7

Martin Whittaker (left midfield) Guilty of missing clear cut chance but caused a lot of problems...7

Danny Terry (centre midfield) Quiet but effective role in the middle of the park...6

Ian McKay (centre midfield) Grew in influence as match went on. Had one chance but created a few more...7

HCraig Bradshaw (striker) Work rate deserved a goal. Denied by keeper, woodwork and brilliant goal line clearance...8

Jordan Heseltine (striker) Good game in front of goal and smacked a shot against the post...7

Glenn McMillan (midfield) Appearance pleased his 'fans'. Did well when he came on...6 Whinney

Hill FC HMick Dwyer (keeper) A string of top class saves earned his side a point...8

Chris Grimshaw (right back) Usual energetic display. Got forward well, involved in set pieces but distribution was a bit below par...6

David Blackburn (left back) Good, honest performance at the back. Stuck to defensive duties...6

Neil Holmes (centre back) Excellent goal line clearance kept his side in it. Highlight of impressive display...7

Paul Jordan (centre back) Caught out in first half but rarely put a foot wrong...7

Paul Grimshaw (right midfield) Forced to carry out more defensive duties to keep an eye on the lively Whittaker...6

Adam Honeyman (left midfield) Showed glimpses of what he could do...6

Paul Edmundson (centre midfield) Competitive display in middle of the park and enjoyed the midfield battle...8

Chris Nolan (centre midfield) Covered a lot of ground around the middle of the pitch and worked hard alongside Edmundson...6

Robert Addison (striker) Buzzed around up front and looked lively, especially in first half...7

Steve Grunshaw (striker) Was in the wars but battle on until he went off early in second half...7

Subs

Andy Darbyshire (striker) Big man put himself about when he came on and did well...6

Mark Grey (midfield) Got involved in the last 10 minutes...6 BELVEDERE (4-4-2) Manager: Mick Molloy

Subs: G McMillan for D Terry (84) WHINNEY HILL (4-4-2) Manager: John Blackburn

Subs: A Darbyshire for S Grunshaw (50), M Grey for P Grimshaw (78)