By Longsider
April 21 2004

The Clarets secured a vital win against Franchise last night. A goal from Graham Branch and an own goal made sure of the points as we now reach 50 points. We needed the win and that is exactly what we got. Injuries played a key role in team selection with Lennie Johnrose replacing Tony Grant in the middle, Paul Weller replaced Chadwick and was played out on the left.

The fans got behind the team from the kick-off and the first 20 minutes was a seige on the visitors goal. We should have created more clear cut chances than what we actually managed but poor touches from Branch, Chaplow and Blake in vital areas cost us chances. Franchise were defending for their lives and it did look for a stage as though it was going to be one of them nights but we thankfully broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Little's cross was deflected in the air, by the keeper, and Branchy headed in from a yard out.

We looked for the second with Blake and Chaplow going close however we nearly paid the price for these misses when the boys from Milton Keynes hit the post after they ventured out of their own half for the first time. The sides were all sent for half time when the Clarets got a vital second goal although the good work was down to the incompetence of the Franchise defence.

Branch flicked on a goal kick from Jensen, two defenders then headed the ball to each other before Ntimban-zeh headed past his own keeper when there appeared to be little danger. This was just what the doctor had ordered and everyone inside the ground expected us to get even more goals in the second half and give Franchise a real thumping.

This never happened though with Burnley content to sit back and defend our two goal cushion. Franchise did play well in the second half and certainly caused us one or two problems at the back. Ultimately there were very few chances for either side in the half and who cares when the win was all that mattered.

A win against Derby on Saturday will surely cement our place in the division for another season and if the home fans can continue their excellent support from last night they we will have every chance.

Burnley:-
Jensen, Roche, May, McGregor, Camara, Little, Grant, Chaplow(Pilkington 77), Weller(A.Moore 60), Blake(Chadwick 82) and I.Moore.

Subs - Adebola and Abbey

Franchise:-
Martin, Herzig, Ntimban-zeh, Kamara, Lewington, Puncheon, Harding, Hawkins, Smith, Gray, Small.

Subs - Worgan, Mackie, Oyedele, Holdsworth and McKoy

Referee:- George Cain(Merseyside)