In one sense at least, there was something depressingly predictable about Burnley's failure to hang on at Barnsley.

Supporters up on their history will know that not since 1932 (that's 75 years to spare you the maths) have the Clarets come away with maximum points from Oakwell.

To put that into some kind of historical footballing perspective, 1932 was the year that Wigan Borough resigned from the old Third Division North after playing just six games, England demolished Spain 7-1 at Highbury and a certain Stanley Matthews made his debut for Stoke City in a 1-0 win over Bury.

Okay, history lesson over. Suffice to say that Oakwell is in that group of stadia (Bramhall Lane, Molineux and Ninian Park), that have traditionally proved graveyards for Burnley.

And it all started so well. Even the weather was welcoming. In my experience, Barnsley is grey, dull and so cold that it lends credence to those who argue that global warming is a hoax.

So when Andy Gray was in the right place at the right time and the Clarets went on to dominate the first half, one wondered whether the curse was about to be lifted.

Of course, I should have known better. Burnley's inability to keep a clean sheet has been their Achilles Heel this season.

Only at Hillsborough have the Clarets managed a Championship shut-out.

Nevertheless, the next five days provide Steve Cotterill's men with an opportunity to beef up their home record and climb the table.

There may not be any easy Championship games, but there are some fixtures which are significantly easier than others.

Norwich City arrive this evening in a state of disarray. Not only are they rudderless since the departure of Peter Grant, they have managed just one point and one goal on the road in five attempts. Burnley must capitalise.

Southampton, with former Clarets Nathan Dyer and Wayne Thomas, should prove sterner opposition.

Both the Saints and the Clarets have potent attacks, yet have not proved themselves paragons of defensive stubbornness. Sky might just have a multi-goal thriller on their hands.

Congratulations to Kyle Lafferty on his superb goal last week. His success is a cause for both celebration and concern. It's fantastic to see him develop, but the worry is that his progress will do nothing to discourage his suitors come January.

In closing, thanks to the Notts County-bound Dave Kevan for all his efforts, and best of luck in his new post.