Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Burnley's Offensive Troubles Continue; 1-0 Loss to League One's Port Vale in Capital One Cup Prove Claret Still Lacking Scoring Punch

BALTIMORE, Maryland August 12, 2015 - After Sam Vokes' late score on opening day lifted visiting Burnley into a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, there was hope in Lancastershire that the Claret's season-plus scoring woes were showing signs of coming to a close.  Then Burnley took on Port Vale - of League One - in the opening round of the Capital One Cup, and all of that optimism flew out an open window at historic Turf Moor.  A post on the ESPN web site from a journalist at the match termed the Claret's offensive effort "disappointing."  Burnley Coach Sam Dyche was asked by the BBC if the result surprised him.  "I'm not so sure there are any shocks in this competition any more." the Claret mgr. said.

The match remained scoreless until the 82nd minute, when Sam Kelly, who had entered the match just two minutes earlier, fired a shot at Burnley reserve keeper Matt Gilks.  Gilks made the save, but could not control the ball.  It rolled onto the foot of a charging Byron Moore, who rifled a shot past Gilks and into the corner of the goal.  To their credit, the Claret did charge back.  In the add on minutes just priot to time, George Boyd unloaded a bristling shot that richocheted off the bar.  In fact, it was Boyd who sparked what little offense Burnley could muster.  As usual, it was Burnley's tenacious defense that kept the Claret in the match, and they did it this time without their dependable keeper, Neal Heaton, who sat out the affair.

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