As 1998 leaves us, so 1999 begins with a bit of a
toughie. Turf Moor isn’t where I would
have chosen to go after in iffy festive programme but given it’s the league
computer who decides, then a trip to Burnley it was.
In the end it ended in relatively dour stalemate
as both sides generally cancelled each other out with the exception of the last
ten minutes where both sides finally gave it a real go in search of maximum
pointage.
The recent record signing of Steve Davis
(from Luton) and the acquisition of Graham Branch (from Stockport) clearly gave the
home fans a lift and the atmosphere in their upgraded, rather smart but somewhat sterile
ground was one of expectancy.
I suspect that many of the locals assumed that we were
there to make the numbers up and help usher in a new year for
one of the divisions bigger boys. Fortunately, Ray
and the boys clearly didn't see it that way however.
Burnley dominated possession for long periods
but defensively we remained strong and the sloppiness and mishaps from the
previous two Christmas fixtures were forgotten in a well organised and
disciplined performance. Indeed Andy
Watson almost won it with a volley following a Gary Porter flick-on but the
assistant flagged for offside in a really tight decision.
Burnley had chances to win the game late on
but Walker rescued us a couple of times, particularly on one occasion with a
brilliant double save from substitute Peter Swan.
To be fair neither side deserved to lose. I’d have taken a point from here a fortnight ago but on reflection, it just felt like we
needed to take the full three points from this one. The wheels haven’t come off yet - far from it -
but the confidence I had two weeks ago isn’t there at the moment.
Elsewhere, West Brom provide the shock of the
FA Cup 3rd Round in managing to lose at Bournemouth by just a solitary
goal. To think I had expected three or
four - nil. A fine result for the
Baggies considering their inexperience of any kind of cup football. Extra shooting practice for the Cherries is a
distinct possibility.