Burnley 1 - 0 Gillingham

Robbie Blake was the only player missing from the draw at Wigan last week with Alan Moore taking his place. It was always going to be a tough game without the suspended Blake and Stan decided to go with a 5 man midfield with Ian Moore up front on his own.

It was a cold, windy day at the Turf and the opening period of the game failed to warm the fans up. Infact the most exciting moments in the first half was watching the fans in the lower tiers scramble for cover from the hailstone. It was an awful half with both sides struggling to pass the ball to each other let alone create anything of any real quality.

The second half was a little better with Burnley showing the higher desire to gain the win. A Little free kick caused panic in the Gills box before Tony Grant embarked on a run down the right wing only to see his cross wasted by Ian Moore although some would argue it was a good save by the keeper.

Moments later Grant almost turned provider for the visitors when he hit a strange floating back pass which Rod Wallace latched onto but fortunately he hit his shot wide of the goal. Lee Roche also tried and failed with a headed back pass but again the Gills were unable to take advantage.

The goal came 10 minutes from time, through Glen Little. Neil Wood seemed to hit a hopeful ball into the box and everyone seemed to stand and watch before Little stuck out his boot to send the ball through Brown's legs. The clubs latest scheme was then launched when two people ran in front of the James Hargreaves stand holding two very large flags.

The Gill had one late chance when Jensen saved well from a header in the last few minutes. The Gills got what they deserved and thankfully Burnley can now see a bit of daylight between ourselves and Nottingham Forest.

Burnley:-

Jensen, Roche, Camara, May, McGregor, Little, Grant, Weller, A. Moore (Chadwick 70), Wood, I. Moore.

Subs:- West, Weller, Orr and Rachubka

Gillingham:-

Brown, Smith, Ashby, Hessenthaler, Henderson (Wallace 68), Agyemang, Johnson, Hope, James, Spiller (Rose 84), Poulton (Saunders 78).

Subs:- Knowles and Beckwith

The referee was Paul Danson

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