Another away day, another disappointment. It’s risking massive understatement to say that any Burnley supporter following the team away from home this season has done so more in hope than in expectation.
But whereas at Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Norwich, the Clarets turned in some terrific performances without getting the win, at Coventry there was not only no victory but a performance that fell way short of the required standard.
The waters are growing ever choppier for Brian Laws and Burnley’s ailing promotion bid.
With the inevitable cracks beginning to appear in their home form, the pressure to claim three points away and keep up with the pack grows on a weekly basis.
Each time the Clarets hit the road, the manager and his players assure us that the elusive first win on enemy territory is just around the corner. It’s some corner.
Away from Turf Moor, Burnley have taken just six points from 27. And on Saturday’s evidence you wouldn’t bank on the corner being turned any time soon.
Amazingly the Clarets still lie just one point from the play-off spots – although more tellingly, they are 10 points off the top two.
Yet the feeling amongst a sizeable section of supporters is that this gap is likely to get bigger.
As it became increasingly evident that Laws’ charges were going to leave Coventry empty handed, a section of the away support aimed a chant of “You don’t know what you’re doing” at the manager.
It may only have been a small section, but it was still there. And given the fact that the away supporters tend to be the most committed and most patient, its significance cannot be overlooked.
Then there is the question of team selection. With half an hour to spare last Saturday, and Burnley in no little trouble at 1-2 down, Ross Wallace climbed from the bench to inspire the team to an unlikely comeback. The reward for his heroics? A place on the bench.
All this does is ratchet up the pressure for the visit of Derby on Saturday.
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