Season Review: January - Clarets climb to seventh

January would ultimately be Burnley’s most impressive month of the season - all without their talisman Charlie Austin.
Brian Stock is a victim of mistaken identity as he receives his marching orders at OakwellBrian Stock is a victim of mistaken identity as he receives his marching orders at Oakwell
Brian Stock is a victim of mistaken identity as he receives his marching orders at Oakwell

The Clarets won three league games on the spin to climb to seventh in the table, with an FA Cup exit at Barnsley in between, though the month ended in disappointment with a home defeat to Birmingham.

On New Year’s Day, Keith Treacy, back in the fold, inspired a 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, where he ended last season on loan.

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He came on for hamstring victim Martin Paterson to score the first goal with a glorious 25-yard drive, before winning the penalty which saw Ross Wallace seal victory.

The following week at Turf Moor, Junior Stanislas earned a deserved win over promotion hopefuls Crystal Palace with a goal of the season contender late on, from Danny Ings’ centre.

Burnley backed that up with a 2-0 success at Millwall, where Sam Vokes poked them in front after sublime skill from Stanislas down the left, before Ings headed in a Kieran Trippier cross after the break.

But the month ended with Dean Marney wrongly dismissed after a challenge on Paul Robinson - a red card which was later rescinded - as Birmingham won 2-1 at Turf Moor with a late Marlon King volley.

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The less said about the FA Cup the better - Brian Stock was sent off as a victim of mistaken identity, and Burnley lost to a last-minute goal from Barnsley substitute Danny Rose at Oakwell, as Brian Jensen made his last start for the club.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on iPhone and Android devices.