Mixed feelings for Burnley boss after Peterborough stalemate

Dyche was understandably frustrated as the Clarets let a half-time lead slip against the Championship’s basement side, but praised the character and endeavour of his players to fight back and snatch a late point.

Leading scorer Charlie Austin announced his return from injury with a goal inside the first 90 seconds but Posh skipper Tommy Rowe turned the game on its head with a quickfire double after the hour.

However, substitute Martin Paterson grabbed the equaliser with just four minutes of normal time left on the clock.

“We controlled the feel of the game in the first half on a very awkward surface,” said Dyche.

“Obviously it was a fine goal with a fantastic bit of play, a fantastic cross and an excellent finish.

“We were looking in good shape at half-time then just like that there was a change in the feel of the game. Peterborough to be fair came out and had a real go, which I know they do at home and I obviously offered that to the lads at half-time.

“At 1-1 you’re disappointed, it was a very poor goal from our point of view, and then 2-1 you think how’s this game getting away.

“But all credit to our boys, one thing we’ve instilled here and the players have taken on board is that endeavour to never say never and to keep on going.

“After a really tough 25 minutes to come back and get the equaliser and have a couple of chances at the end to nick it but for a fine save from the keeper was great to see.”

Paterson’s leveller moved the Clarets to within four points off sixth place Middlesbrough though Tony Mowbray’s side, who were comprehensively brushed aside by Ipswich Town at Portman Road, have a game in hand.

However, Dyche feels the gulf could have been tightened further had his players anticipated a reaction from Darren Ferguson’s men, who are scrapping for their lives in the Championship.

“It was a frustrating afternoon, a good point nonetheless, a point closer to Middlesbrough who lost today, but it is frustrating because we felt we controlled parts of the first half on a very difficult pitch to play on, we scored a very good goal very early in the game and in the second half we didn’t really get to grips with it.

“You speak to the players at half time, make it clear that they know there’s going to be a reaction from the home side, there often is when you play away from home.

“We’re just a bit disappointed that we didn’t control the game as well.

“You come to a team who are bottom of the league but they’ve turned over Cardiff, they’ve turned over Wolves away, they’re not a team drastically short of confidence.

“It’s awkward here, the pitch is awkward, it’s a different kind of feel, I’d never be disrespectful to clubs like this and say you just go there and win, it just doesn’t happen.

“It’s not easy against any team in the Championship, especially teams that are fighting for their life.

“Darren’s boys have a real go, especially at home and we knew that.”

Dyche added: “We ended up giving away two really poor goals by our standards but then found that energy and endeavour to react and a fine reaction it was, a great bit of play from McCann and then a good finish from Pato who deserved his goal.

“He came on and affected the game with a sniffer’s goal and barring a brilliant save from the keeper he gets a brace and we go away with the three points.”

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