Burnley 1, Wimbledon 0

NO wonder the national newspaper boys loved it.

The Paul Weller story is already well known in these parts and the Burnley faithful have long since recognised his courage in overcoming a potentially career-threatening illness.

But with First Division football now attracting the nation's media to Turf Moor, Weller's wonderful winning goal against Wimbledon ensured it received a major airing over the weekend.

And who would begrudge Weller his moment of glory.

For over a year, the 25-year-old didn't kick a ball in anger after undergoing three major bouts of surgery to remove most of his large bowel.

Before last Saturday he had started just two League games in two seasons and at one point last term was so frustrated that he ended up on the transfer list. The nationals don't know everything!

His return to the fold was marked by a miraculous winning goal as a substitute at Oxford in April which was crucial to the Clarets' promotion.

And while the former Turf Moor trainee had to bide his time again after that, the new campaign could barely have started better for him or for Burnley.

The Crazy Gang of old wouldn't have recognised this Wimbledon side who were a shadow of the team that more than punched their weight in the Premiership for so long.

Shorn of a clutch of established players they never looked like securing their first away win since the opening day of last season.

However, that's not to detract from Burnley's achievement in outplaying a side that still boasted considerable top-flight experience.

But where Wimbledon did lack quality was up front and with the trusted trio of Mitchell Thomas, Steve Davis and Ian Cox looking as comfortable in this company as they did in Division Two, the Clarets never really looked like surrendering their advantage.

Paul Crichton's only save of the game came 13 minutes from the end, although it was worth the wait as he impressvely turned over Damien Francis's close-range effort over the top.

After an inital sparring period Wimbledon lost lanky striker Carl Leaburn with a hip injury and although that heralded the introduction of former England international Michael Thomas in midfield, Burnley gained the upper hand.

Weller and Glen Little soon began to cut swathes through the Wimbledon defence and following one Little cross, Gray was upended by goalkeeper Kelvin Davis.

"I thought it was penalty. He said he'd have a look at it on the video. But what's the point of that. It's gone now," Ternent added.

However, the breakthrough arrived just three minutes later as Gray nodded the ball into Weller's path on half-way. Flying past Alan Kimble, he kept going and after rounding Trond Andersen thumped the ball past Davis.

Lee Briscoe then volleyed just over the top and six minutes into the second half the home debutant was even closer when his far post cross hit the inside of the far post following a lovely move.

Guided by Kevin Ball and Paul Cook and led from the front by Andy Cooke, Burnley never gave Wimbledon an inch. When Neil Ardley broke, Weller saved the day with an excellent tackle and Crichton's save from Francis ensured another highly satisfying result.

Full match report in today's Lancashire Evening Telegraph.