JOHN Ward today tipped Burnley to play their way out of the Second Division drop zone.

The former Turf Moor number two saw his Bristol City side beat Chris Waddle's side 3-1 at Ashton Gate.

But Ward is convinced that Burnley have the quality to rise up the league table.

"I have only seen them once this season but they have got the players to do the stuff.

"There is no reason why they can't turn things round.

"I thought they played extremely well in the first half.

"We have got a run of confidence going and, once they have got a couple of wins, then they can probably go on and do similar," said Ward.

Waddle was also able to take a number of positive aspects from the defeat.

But the player-boss was critical of keeper Marlon Beresford, who gave away a penalty to hand Bristol the lead.

"It was a bad decision for the penalty from our goalkeeper.

"He thought that he could get it, but they all say that, don't they!

"Marlon said he made a genuine attempt.

"I think goalkeepers should sometimes stand up and say 'If you are going to beat me, then beat me'," said Waddle.

A stunning Paul Barnes strike gave Burnley a 1-0 lead at the interval.

The penalty was sandwiched between two Greg Goodridge left-footed strikes and

Waddle was delighted with the first half show. "I saw some beautiful football from us and some marvellous things," he said.

"The first half was probably the best we have played all season.

"It showed what we are capable of as I don't think anyone will stop Bristol and Watford getting promoted.

"I think the players gave their all and gave their all on Saturday.

"We are playing well now and won on Saturday but we came a cropper last night.

"When you are at the bottom you do not get the breaks.

"But I am sure we will turn things round and get ourselves a break.

"I would like to see if Mark Ford's goal was offside because that would have made it 2-0 and difficult for them.

"The referee said that if the shot had gone directly in he would have given it. On Thursday we will get back to working on the defence and trying to get some clean sheets."

Burnley were unlucky not to earn a replay from their FA Youth Cup second round tie at Hull City last night, going down 1-0 to a 70th-minute goal from Mike Edwards. "It was a tight game and we had the chances to score in the first half. Overall, we felt we deserved a draw," said coach Terry Pashley.

Burnley edged the opening period but the closest they came to breaking the deadlock was when Brad Maylett struck a shot into the side netting.

Hull, however, hit back after some bright play from Burnley, for whom left back Michael Devenney had an outstanding game.

The winner came with just 20 minutes left when a free kick caused some confusion in Burnley's defensive ranks and Edwards forced the ball home.

Hull, who defeated Premier League club Newcastle in the first round, could have added to their lead with Burnley left to rue their failure to score when they were on top.

Burnley Reserves are scheduled to visit Bradford City tonight in the Pontin's League Cup competition (kick-off 7pm).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.