Boost for Clarets as trio return to action

Long-term cruciate injury victims Long and Marney featured for 45 minutes in the game, against an unnamed opponent, at Gawthorpe, with summer signing Lowton featuring for 75 minutes as he recovers from a shin injury sustained in pre-season.

Sean Dyche said: “We are pleased to have had a behind-closed doors game yesterday and the good news from our part is that Dean and Kevin both played and it’s another big step on their recovery.

“Matt also played 75 minutes, so we are delighted for him too. It allows us the chance to accelerate their pathway back into the first team, while also finding that balance to be careful enough to make sure they make it back just the once.

“Obviously getting them back out there in an active game is the first major hurdle to jump over, but obviously there is more game time needed over the coming weeks.”