BRIAN Laws’ first home game in charge of the Clarets has ended in defeat after John Terry powered in a header to give visitors Chelsea the points.

Captain Terry, who has endured a difficult couple of days in his personal life, put his side back in the lead after Steven Fletcher had cancelled out Nicholas Anelka’s opener.

After drawing level Burnley found themselves under siege by the Premier League leaders and finally succumbed to a powerful header from Terry that thundered off the ground and past Brian Jensen.

The visitors had broken the deadlock in the 27th minute when Joe Cole strode forward down the right and picked out Florent Malouda at the back post. The French winger found his countryman Anelka with his first touch and the striker was free in the six-yard box to beat a helpless Jensen.

Chelsea cruised until half-time under no real strain from the Clarets but as they emerged after the break they were hit by a magnificent sucker-punch.

No sooner had the travelling Chelsea fans found their voices for the start of the second half they were silenced once more.

Robbie Blake’s ball over the top found Fletcher, whose majestic touch over his left shoulder bamboozled Alex.

As the Brazilian tried to recover he flicked the ball against Fletcher, leaving it to fall perfectly for the Scot to fire past Cech and blow the roof off Turf Moor.

But Chelsea were brought to life by Fletcher’s equaliser and poured forward, and they thought they were ahead once again almost instantly after a goalmouth scramble lead to Joe Cole heading home from close range.

But when Anelka’s cross to the far post allowed Cole to turn home an initial header by Maloduda the linesman raised his flag to cut Chelsea celebrations short.

Frank Lampard tested Jensen from a free-kick after substitute Martin Paterson up-ended Anelka. The England man’s free kick crept round the wall but Jensen was on hand to beat away the effort.

Chris Eagles’ speculative effort was comfortably saved by Cech in what was essentially the only time the hosts were allowed out of their own half.

Ashley Cole broke down the left and found himself through on goal but was denied by Clarke Carlisle's brilliant challenge that eventually forced the Chelsea full-back off with an injury.

And as the visitors piled forward once again they forced a corner that was met by Terry, who headed home to give his side a hard-earned three points despite a spirited performance by Laws’ men.