BURNLEY manager Stan Ternent relied on a new look Clarets line-up to make sure there was no Isle of Man misery this summer.

Last July, Burnley went down in the Manx history books with the unenviable distinction of being the first professional side to lose to the Isle of Man in their 111-year football history.

But the Clarets boss ensured there was no repeat despite keeping only skipper Steve Davis from the starting XI which defeated Second Division Wrexham 2-0 in their first pre-season outing on Sunday.

In for their debuts came Greek-Italian goalkeeper Luigi Cennamo and new boy Mark McGregor, who signed from Wrexham under the Bosman ruling earlier this month.

And neither disappointed with the keeper, who has signed a six month deal at Turf Moor, looking strong in the air and good with his kick while 24-year-old McGregor had a solid game in the right back slot against the semi-professional side.

The scoreline was only 1-0 with Burnley's Andy Payton finding the target with a header from trialist Alan Moore's corner in the 25th minute.

But Cennamo had little to do while the Clarets created chance after chance but just couldn't find their way past an inspired Manx goalie Kelvin Dawson.

"It wasn't about the result, it was about fitness," said a relaxed Ternent. "But, saying that, it is always nice to win.

"We are a fit squad and I do not think the players have lost much fitness over the summer but it is just about sharpness and balance at the moment."

Burnley have now recorded two wins on their pre-season trip -- in contrast to last season when it was two losses -- and they should make Saturday's final provided they beat or draw with Second Division Oldham tonight. It will be either the Latics or Brian Flynn's Wrexham in Saturday's afternoon showdown.

And the Burnley boss will be pleased with the early performances of several of his squad as he strives to make sure he has the strength in depth he feels is vital in the First Division.

Ian Cox came into the centre of defence for his first start and rightly won the man of the match award, keeping the hosts' frontmen quiet while almost getting on the scoresheet with a powerful header.

The 30-year-old got on the end of Brad Maylett's left wing cross in the 67th minute and Dawson was magnificent in pushing the effort over the bar.

And two of the casualties from last season -- Graham Branch and Lennie Johnrose -- came through their first run outs of the summer.

Johnrose, who missed the back end of last season after having an operation on his ankle, played for 36 minutes of the game and was only taken off as a precaution.

And Branch, in the right back role, showed he looks to have shaken off a knee problem which forced him to miss the last ten games of the season as he survived the full 90 minutes on a tricky pitch.

The Isle of Man did have one or two moments where they troubled the Clarets but it always looked like being a case of how many goals the visitors could get.

It ended up being just the one and the only thing that may slightly worry the Burnley fans is that the side didn't convert a few more of the chances.

John Mullin was lively in his opening game of the tournament and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with Dawson denying him on a couple of occasions. But it will be the frontmen of Payton and Ellis -- whose combined age is 68 -- who will feel they could have increased the tally, especially as they are battling for the front places with £1m record buy Ian Moore, summer signing Gareth Taylor and new boy Dimitri Papadopoulos.

Both got good service from Maylett and Alan Moore on the wings but Ellis was thwarted by the off-side flag despite finding the back of the net while Payton made one chance count - but was unlucky with a couple more which just didn't fall for him.

Ian Moore came on for Payton in the second half but he too couldn't make an impression while trialists Paul Hughes and Dimitri De Conde tried some long range efforts which were comfortable for Dawson.

In the end the result was a relief after last season's embarrassing loss to the Isle of Man -- and it will have given the Burnley boss plenty to think about as he starts to put into place his starting XI for the August kick off.

Statistics:

BURNLEY 1 - ISLE OF MAN 0

(Payton 25)

Burnley

4-4-2

Cennamo

Branch, Cox, Davis, McGregor

A Moore, Johnrose, Mullin, Maylett

Payton, Ellis

Subs: Hughes ( for Johnrose 36), Armstrong (for Davis 46), De Conde (for Mullin 60); I Moore (for Payton 65), Ball (for Maylett 81)

Isle of Man

3-5-2

Dawson

S Corkill, Halsall, Mayers

Sorby, Travers, Hurt, Megson

Higgins, Langridge

Subs: Sanderland (for Megson 65), Bass (for Sorby 71), Shimmin (for Travers), Ward (for Halsall 85). Not used: N Corkill