Eddie Howe hopes derby win provides boost

Burnley earned a 3-1 derby success, that could and should have been more comprehensive.

But after a fourth win in six league games, Howe hopes to continue to climb the Championship table on the back of an improved home record.

It was only a second home league win in nine games, and Howe said: “I’d like to think we can do that consistently and be hard to beat here.

“We’re taking the first positive steps to try and build our home record up and the game was a real positive.

“Hopefully that’s a confidence booster for the players, and they now know we can compete against the best sides in this division, because I think Blackpool are a really good side, and to play the way we did against them for long periods of the game really pleases me.”

He added: “The first half especially was just what we needed.

“We played on the front foot, we really pressed and closed Blackpool down and made it difficult for them.

“We played some excellent stuff at the same time, scored three quality goals. It was really a good performance.

“All three goals had their individual moments.

“Junior’s ball for Charlie’s goal was just a fantastic delivery, and a great finish from Charlie.

“Ross’s free-kick speaks for itself, and I was really pleased to see Marv score because I think he deserves that.”

The one downside was the lack of a clean sheet after shipping an injury time consolation.

Howe admitted: “I’m pleased, but I’m hugely disappointed as well, if that makes sense, because I thought we defended really well.

“I thought David Edgar had an outstanding game. Just a little lapse on the final whistle hurts, and I hope it hurts the back four because we need to become more ruthless if we are to achieve success.”

Striker Charlie Austin hit his ninth goal of the season and had a hand in Burnley’s second and third, and Howe feels there is more to come: “Charlie’s getting better and better. I think with more games comes fitness and confidence, he’s scoring goals, which for any striker they need to score when they’re playing well.

“Jay Rodriguez and Charlie are really beginning to form a good partnership. I think it’s only the beginning, I think there’s a lot more to come from both of them, but I’m pleased with them.

“I still believe we’re early in forming this team.

“I still think there’s a lot more to come from individuals and the side as a whole. It’s a positive step but we still need to find more consistency. We still need to be more ruthless defensively, but hopefully people can see we are moving in the right direction.”

Austin could have had another, slipping a simpler chance wide after the move of the match, but Howe, asked if he was kicking himself, said: “I think as a striker he will be. But the pleasing thing is he’s in there to miss it.

“With all strikers if you’re getting chances the goals are just round the corner.

“It was a really good move and a great spot by Chris McCann. That would have been the icing on the cake, but we’re happy with the three.”

Some lenient refereeing spared Blackpool further embarrassment, with Stephen Crainey, Jonjo Shelvey and Barry Ferguson given the benefit of any doubt by Michael Oliver, and Howe admitted: “I don’t want people to get sent off, that’s not what I’m about, but I did think the tackle on Ben (from Shelvey) was quite high, and it could have been a dangerous one for him.

“The referee’s made his decision, although I felt at the time, it probably could have been a red card, but that’s how it goes.”

However, his first derby experience at Turf Moor was a memorable one: “I enjoyed it. It obviously helps when you get the result but I thought both sets of supporters we excellent and hopefully we sent the Burnley fans home happy.

“It pleases me that they’ve got the bragging rights.”

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