BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche praised the impact of his substitutes, and his players for “never going under” to stretch their unbeaten league run to nine games with a point at Bournemouth.

After a goalless first half the Clarets trailed to Tokelo Rantie’s third goal of the season – his second against Burnley – in the 51st minute.

Dyche made a double change 10 minutes later, with Ross Wallace and Keith Treacy the like-for-like replacements for wingers Scott Arfield and Michael Kightly. And within six minutes the duo combined to equalise.

“We want the substitutes to affect the game. We talk about it a lot with the group, to be ready, and they certainly did that,” said Dyche, after Treacy converted Wallace’s cross to earn a second 1-1 draw with the Cherries.

“We want that from all of our subs, whether it be a change for a defensive tactic, which is rare for is, but if it has to be done.

“We want them to affect games.

“Keith and Ross had pockets of play which did effect the game and culminated in a goal.

“If was a great run and a great finish on a very tough surface.

“They can bobble.

“I think he did enjoy that.”

While Dyche was frustrated with a below-par performance, he admitted the conditions which left the game in doubt until a 7.30am pitch inspection on Saturday were a factor, and was encouraged by his players’ determination.

“We want to pass and play, and I’m sure Eddie (Howe) does,” said the Burnley boss.

“They dealt with the pitch better than us. They played slightly more direct – not in a bad way, just turning the ball in behind us, and get willing runners onto it. That seemed to be their gameplan just to get some territory really.

“It was a game of very few chances and nowhere near the quality we’ve come to expect, but an underlying belief which is vital in what we’re achieving.

“There were no disappointments. A goal goes in, a quick response and making it ugly for them in the last seven or eight minutes.

“There a lot of positives on a day when we weren’t at our best. We’ve come away with another valuable point and a seven-point week, which is good.”