IN-FORM Burnley will leave only the mathematicians worrying about their fate if they can continue their remarkable record against Fulham at Turf Moor tomorrow.

The Londoners haven't won at Burnley since 1951, losing 19 of their last 21 visits.

And while past history will count for nothing in the Clarets final home fixture of the season, current form might.

Stan Ternent's men boast the longest unbeaten sequence in the Second Division, having gone eight games without defeat.

And they take on Kevin Keegan's newly crowned champions knowing that three points will surely guarantee their Second Division status.

"We are not safe yet. The result against Stoke went a long way towards that.

"That was an excellent result but the season is not over yet by any means.

"However, if we can get a win tomorrow we can put the season to bed," insisted Clarets defender Chris Brass.

Already out of reach of Macclesfield and Lincoln, three more points will also put Burnley beyond the scope of Northampton and Wycombe, barring three wins and a late goal feast for Wycombe and a drought for the Clarets.

Andy Payton's presence will lessen the chance of the latter and, along with Lenny Johnrose, the 23-goal striker will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.

Burnley may have beaten relegation already, while a point would be enough if Oldham, Wycombe and Northampton lose tomorrow. But Brass isn't relying on others.

"Mathematically we need a win to be safe and we will be trying to get that," he added.

This may be a good time for Burnley to entertain a Fulham side that has lost just six times all season.

But the Cottagers still have enough quality in their expensively assembled side, allied to the incentive of reaching a League record points tally and ending Keegan's full-time tenure as boss on a high, to be extremely dangerous.

"With them being champions already if they realise we are really up for it perhaps they will take their foot off the pedal.

"But unless we are on top of our game it will be a tough match for us," Brass admitted.

And Ternent, who will finally breathe easily "if we get a result," also feels the timing of the fixture has no bearing.

"That makes no difference," said the Burnley boss. "They are the best team in the division by miles and it will be interesting to see how we compare.

"We are on a good little run and so are they so I am looking forward to it. It should be a good game with a good atmosphere and I certainly want us to put on a performance.

"The supporters have had their ups and downs this season but we have put in a few good performances lately and the side is taking shape."

Brass, a key figure in the Burnley defence and one of only five survivors from the side crushed 4-0 at Craven Cottage in December, is also looking forward to guaging the Clarets current rate of progress and signing off from Turf Moor on a positive note.

He added: "In reality they are First Division players and some have come from the Premiership and it will be a good test for us to see how far we have come. "They have walked the division and if we can match them tomorrow it will show what we are capable of.

"Over the last few home games we have given the supporters something to cheer about and it would be nice to give them something good to take into the summer."

Fulham will be without central defender Philippe Albert who has returned to Newcastle, for the time being at least, at the end of his three-month loan spell.

And right wing-back Steve Finnan, one of five Fulham players in the PFA's second division select team, is also expected to miss the game through injury.

Burnley from: Crichton, Pickering, Cowan, Mellon, Davis, Brass, Little, Cook, Cooke, Payton, Armstrong, Johnrose, Jepson, Branch, Reid, Eastwood.

Fulham from: Taylor, C Smith, Brevett, Morgan, Coleman, Symons, Hayward, Horsfield, Peschosolido, Hayles, Arendse, Betsy, S Davis, J Smith, Lehmann.

Burnley Supporters Club are arranging two coaches for the Bank Holiday game against Wigan Athletic (Monday, May 3) at a cost of £5 for everyone.

The first coach, which leaves Colne at 12.15pm, picks up at Nelson (12.30) and Burnley (12.45).

Coach No 2 starts from Rawtenstall (12.15pm); Huntsman (12.20); Tim Bobbin (12.30); Burnley (12.45).

To book, please ring: Fraser Eagle 01254 398911 (day); or Dave Spencer 01282 435176 or Trevor 01282 455340 in the evening.

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