Burnley 1 York City 2 - Tony Dewhurst's big match verdict

IS IT time for the Turf Moor board of directors to back Adrian Heath further in the transfer market?

That's a loaded question as Burnley's Division Two season reaches its defining moment.

Yet that is the stark reality facing Frank Teasdale and his directors today with ONLY 15 league fixtures left - and only six of those on home turf.

No doubt the powers that be will point the finger and accuse me of mischief making, but they must sit down and ask themselves: can Burnley afford another season in Division Two.

Because, let's get it right, Burnley's promotion drive is faltering like a drunk clattering through the tap-room at closing time.

After this shock defeat to relegation fodder York City, hopes of automatic promotion are disappearing faster than a Michael Johnson sprint.

And unless there is a sharp amendment in fortunes, then mid-table mediocrity could replace the confident play-off chatter of a month ago.

Alarmist? Maybe. But the disgruntled fans, who had every right to vent their anger at the final whistle, are surely asking the same relevant questions tonight.

Heath admits that the buck stops with him and he alone answers to what goes on out on the pitch. But to sustain the progress that he has nurtured since arriving at Turf Moor 11 months ago, does he need more financial clout?

Because, without it, Burnley could be destined to do battle with Wigan, Shrewsbury and Carlisle next season.

For the expectant fans, thirsting for the big time, that is a grim and unappealing prospect.

The manager has stated publicly that he would like to spice up his squad with at least one major new signing.

But is Heath between a rock and a hard place today.

The Turf Moor manager, it seems, faces a genuine dilemma.

He has inherited a large and experienced pool of players, several on First Division wages and lengthy contracts, and therein lies the deep-rooted problem.

It is clear that some do not form part of his long-term plans. He can't off-load simply because clubs in Division Two or Three are unable to meet their wage demands.

The economics of the past three seasons appear to have caught up with Burnley.

Has that left the club financially stretched? The cash clout which was made available last year has all but dried up.

Yet what makes the situation more worrying, is that the Clarets are going through a barren patch at the most crucial stage of the campaign.

Burnley have landed two points from the last 12 up for grabs - hardly promotion form.

Confidence levels have ebbed away and Burnley are not showing any real signs of re-discovering the sort of explosive form, which in late 1995, suggested they will be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the campaign.

Consistency, or lack of it, appears to be the key. And that was never better underlined when York - who had never won at Turf Moor in a league match - stole the points with a late, late show.

It was a Roses clash billed by the manager as the most important of the season, but it was York who shot themselves into a shock lead.

There was an element of controversy over whether the move was offside, but York were not arguing as Paul Tolson raced on to Andy McMillan's slick through ball to score his 13th of the season.

Always an awkward customer, Tolson was denied 90 seconds earlier when Nigel Gleghorn hacked his goal-bound effort off the line.

But Burnley's response was swift and Gleghorn levelled the scores six minutes later.

The opening stemmed from a sustained spell of Burnley pressure. Paul Smith floated in a corner kick, Peter Swan rose high to head the ball across the face of goal, and Gleghorn was on hand to stab home.

After that, though, Burnley's openings were few and far between.

With York defending deeply and battling fiercely for possession, they successfully denied the sort of service to Kurt Nogan and Paul Barnes that they thrive on.

Nogan, despite his problems of late, made an impressive return to the fray, producing bursts of quality play.

Burnley clearly missed the presence of Gerry Harrison when he hobbled off mid-way throught the first half with an ankle injury.

But while Smith and Nogan tested Andy Warrington, York began to sense a shock could be on the cards.

And they will claim justice after having a strong 73rd-minute penalty turned down.

Steve Bushell appeared a couple of feet inside the area when Richard Huxford pulled him back by his shirt - yet the referee insisted the foul was committed outside. But plucky York launched their smash and grab raid in the final few seconds.

The winning goal arrived from a set piece - a Gary Himsworth corner was helped on by Tony Barrass.

Burnley were caught cold and Scott Jordan drove a searing 25-yard drive into Marlon Beresford's top left-hand corner.

Game, set and match to the Yorkshiremen. Now Burnley need to get back on track quickly - beginning at crisis club Bournemouth in six days time.

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