BUOYANT Burnley boss Stan Ternent hailed "a touch of genius" from Andy Payton, whose wonder-goal took the Clarets within sight of safety at Blackpool last night.

Payton claimed his 22nd and best goal of the season with an instinctive first-time volley which caught out Seasiders keeper Tony Caig and paved the way for a priceless 2-0 Clarets triumph.

Ternent praised a rock-solid team performance for earning his side a five-point cushion above the relegation places.

But he also reserved special mention for Payton's 26th-minute strike which warmed the heart of Burnley's followers on a freezing night at the seaside when the result was again the be-all and end-all.

"Goals do change games, there's no doubt about that, and that was a touch of genius from a striker on top form.

"There's no other way to explain that. There's only Payton could score a goal like that I would have thought. It was a fantastic goal," said Ternent.

Payton has notched 158 League goals in a prolific career but rated last night's as among the finest.

"It was up there I think as one of the best ones I've scored. It's certainly my best goal of the season but I'm not bothered if they go in from one inch or 30 yards," he said.

"I noticed beforehand that the keeper had been coming to the edge of his box. It dropped nicely so I just thought I would have a crack and fortunately it went in and got us going.

"It was a vital one I suppose but we are just delighted we got three points.

"It didn't matter how we played, we just needed a win. And the fact that we did win is a step in the right direction.

"We also kept a clean sheet which is brilliant and we are getting there." Payton's fifth goal is as many games, which turned the game the Clarets ways after they had been subject to some intense early pressure, came from a flick-on by Andy Cooke.

And Payton acknowledged the part played by his strike partner who was firing on all cylinders again in his second match back from an appendix operation.

"Cookie worked really hard again. He's had so many problems this season as you know.

"Last season he got 20 and I got 12. This season it's been a bit the opposite due to his injuries but we've scored about 50-odd goals between us in not too many games so we are working on it," Payton added.

Glen Little came off the bench to head the decisive second for Burnley who still need another two wins according to Ternent to be sure of playing Second Division football again next season.

They face a tough last five games, starting against play-off chasing Bournemouth at Turf Moor on Saturday, but on current form look ready to deliver the goods.

"It's been an indifferent season but it takes time when you are getting a new team together and that's what's been happening.

"We feel as though we have got a capable squad now and I think the results are showing that," Payton insisted.

The victory, Burnley's third in five games, didn't come without a price, however, with Tom Cowan and Lenny Johnrose picking up injuries.

Ternent confirmed: "Tom's twisted his ankle. He's had it iced up and will have treatment and we'll see how it is later in the week.

"Lenny's got a nasty cut on his shin. Again he'll have to have treatment and we'll have to have a look at it but I've no doubt we'll be well prepared when we play Bournemouth which will be a difficult game for us."

Burnley reserves entertain Wolves at Turf Moor tonight (kick-off 7.15) and will be looking to emulate the senior side by climbing away from relegation trouble in the Pontins League First Division.

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