By Longsider
March 1 2004

The Clarets suffered a second defeat at the New Den in two weeks. The defeat leaves the Clarets just 4 points above the relegation zone.

Burnley suffered a second feat in a fortnight against Millwall on Saturday. The defeat is the first one for the Clarets this year in the league and the side are now just 4 points above the relegation zone.

Stan made 3 changes to the side that drew at Reading with Bradley Orr and Alan Moroe replacing the suspended Tony Grant and Paul Weller. Neil Wood also came back into the side after Richard Chap low was ruled out due illness. The Clarets played our usual 4-4-2 formation with Alan Moore out on the left.

The Clarets started the bright of the two sides with Alan Moore, Ian Moore and Bradley Orr all seeing their shots well saved by Marshall. This was much better stuff than a fortnight ago but as so often happens the defence was caught napping shortly afterwards. Paul Ifill broke the offside trap 50 yards out from goal. Brian Jensen came to meet him but was caught in no-mans-land and Ifill had the simple task of rounding Jensen and stroked the ball into an empty net.

The half was generally poor with Millwall creating most of the chances. The Clarets did have one glorious chance to get back level when a Robbie Blake cross was met at the back post by Alan Moore. His shot was parried by Marshall to a Millwall defender who sliced his clearance straight to Ian Moore. Moore should have scored but could only hit the keeper when it was easier to score.

The second half started poorly for the Clarets with Millwall scoring just 7 minutes into the half. Paul Ifill, who caused problems all afternoon, broke down the right. His cross wasn't dealt with by either Jensen or the defence and Peter Sweeney was at the back post to double the lead for Millwall.

Burnley struggled to get going after the goal and never looked like getting back in the game. Glen Little was substituted after he lost his rag and the introduction of Graham Branch shortly after the goal had no impact on the game. The Clarets only other real chance in the game was a header by David May which went over the bar.

Burnley are back in action on Tuesday against West Ham and will have to improve on this performance otherwise we will find ourselves even closer to the drop zone. Neil Wood has had his loan spell extended but he'll need to start improving his performances as will Bradley Orr who didn't other anything to the side.

Millwall:-

Marshall, Muscat, Ward, Lawrence, Ryan, Cahill, Wise, Elliott, Sweeney, Harris, Ifill(McCammon 71).

Subs:- Gueret, Roberts, Sutton and Braniff

Burnley:-

Jensen, Roche(West 83), May, McGregor, Camara, Little(Chadwick 71), Orr, Wood, A.Moore(Branch 54), Blake, I.Moore.

Subs:- Rachubka

The referee was Alan Butler