Marney Brace in 2-2 Draw with Accy!

Burnley's scheduled traditional pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground on Tuesday night had to be called off due to the recent inclement weather affecting the £70,000 plus pitch improvement programme. The news was announced during the Singapore Tour when gaffer, Brian Laws made it plain he would seek an alternative arrangement to ensure the Clarets played another game as they prepared for their Championship season kick-off at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday 7th August.

In the end it was decided to play Accy still but in a 'behind closed doors' game at the Gawthorpe training ground which took place last night.

Martin Paterson made a welcome return after missing out all the three matches in Singapore due to a niggling Achilles injury and Brian Laws gave all his fit players a run-out. Andre Bikey though is spending a few days on compassionate leave. His wife gave birth to a baby girl while he was on tour with the Clarets in Singapore.

Things last night though did not go according to plan in the first half with the Clarets finding themselves 2-0 down against the local League 2 club. The excuse was put down to jetlag bearing in mind their 7000 mile flight back from the Far East earlier this week. Just as well we didn't play on Tuesday night then!!

However we saved our blushes in the second half thanks to midfielder, Dean Marney scoring his first goals for the club and getting a brace to earn a 2-2 draw. Pity our 100% record of pre-season wins has been spoilt though but we have chance to make amends when we face much stronger opposition on Saturday in our final pre-season friendly of the summer. This match against Stoke City will take place at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield and you will now be able to pay at the gate despite an earlier announcement that the Police had asked for this to be an all-ticket game!

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