Davis double keeps run going

However, Gillingham boss Peter Taylor also staked a claim by guiding his side to victory at Preston which trimmed North End's lead over the Clarets to five points ahead of next Saturday's sold-out Turf Moor derby.

The skipper's first goals since sending Burnley to the top of the table with a win over Bournemouth last September gave the Clarets a 2-1 victory at Layer Road and their second successive away win.

And that record allied to a home success over Second Division leaders Bristol Rovers and a goalless draw with promotion rivals Wigan has made Ternent a front-runner in the race to be the Second Division's manager-of-the-month for February.

Rovers have gone clear at the top of the table but defeat at Turf Moor and a home draw to Scunthorpe has surely ended Ian Holloway's chances of the prize for the second month in a row.

MiIlwall have also lost once this month and David Moyes' chance disappeared with Preston's 2-0 defeat by Gillingham, which confirmed Gills bossTaylor as Ternent's principle rival.

Like Burnley, Gillingham have been unbeaten in the league in February and also knocked Sheffield Wednesday out of the FA Cup.

However, they were then thumped by Chelsea and it's primarily League performances which will be taken into account by the judging panel.

Ternent also pulled off a coup in signing Ian Wright but won't lose sleep over waiting for the decision later this week.

"I'm not worried about awards, I'm just interested in winning matches," he said.

Six points from their last two away games have kept Burnley in with a shout of automatic promotion, and Ternent was delighted to come through a potentially awkward game at Colchester with maxium reward.

He said: "It was always going to be a difficult place to come. They are the form side in the division, they haven't lost here for quite a long time and I'm delighted with the victory.

"I thought we played particularly well in the first half. Steve scored two smashing goals and we could have scored more.

"In the second half there few chances and overall we deserved to win the match, although I felt we defended a little deep in the second half."

However, the Burnley boss was disappointed that Wright collected what appeared to be a harsh booking just before the end.

"I thought it was a disgrace. The fellow kicked him on the touchline and the referee booked him," said Ternent.

"I have to be very careful what I say. I thought the referee was mediocre but he's booked him and he can go and tell everyone he's booked Ian Wright.

"Ian would be the first to say that for some of the things he's done in football he's been justifiably punished for them.

"I thought on Saturday he was unjustly punished. The free-kick was against him. The guy kicked him off the pitch and the referee booked him for some reason.

"But it's not easy refereeing. It's a difficult game and overall we have to grin and bear it."

A rare mistake from Paul Crichton had gifted Steve McGavin an equaliser but Davis's second goal before half-time gave Burnley the perfect build-up to the visit of Preston, although Mitchell Thomas will join Andy Payton on the sidelines through suspension.

"It's very tight. All we can do is win football matches, enjoy the ride and see where it takes us.

"We look forward to Preston next week which is a very important game to us. That will be a difficult game as well," Ternent added.

Bradford winger Lee Sharpe was again linked with a move to Burnley in yesterday's national Press.

But while manager Stan Ternent won't get involved in transfer speculation it seems a move is not on the cards with Ternent happy with the left-sided players he has at the club.

The Clarets reserves are away to Preston North End in the Pontins League Premier Division tonight.

However, with a couple of injuries in the camp Ternent won't risk any of his senior players. The game has been switched to Deepdale and kicks-off at 7.15.

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