The Andy Lochhead column

FOOTBALL never ceases to amaze me.

Just when you think the chips are down after nothing but bad news over the past few days, Steve Cotterill somehow masterminds the unlikeliest of victories.

It might still be papering over the cracks given the lack of bodies at the manager's disposal, but those three points at Leeds are absolutely priceless in terms of morale as we head back to Turf Moor for a week of crucial matches.

Ipswich Town are the visitors on Saturday in a game that is sure to carry some needle following Joe Royle's scathing comments last time, when he accused Burnley of being negative in the 1-1 draw at Portman Road

Then it's the Carling Cup game with Spurs - a game that I'm sure Steve would rather do without, but one that could provide some financial clout he would never refuse.

Finally, Nottingham Forest are the visitors in what is already looking, even at this stage of the season, a classic six-pointer.

And how Burnley owe the home fans a performance in the league. So far, the travelling Clarets have undoubtedly seen the best of the team.

Perhaps that should come as no real surprise, for we are one of many teams in this league who find it easier to travel away, where the pressure to relentlessly attack the opposition is less intense.

What is worrying is the way Steve continues to perform miracles on a shoestring budget.

Some will call it a siege mentality, but in my view that's a load of garbage because sooner or later, your luck is going to run out. It has to.

Robbie Blake is ploughing a lone furrow and his flood of goals has slowed to a trickle as a result. Meanwhile, the defence, most notably John McGreal, keeps getting patched up and sent back out to do another sterling job.

But the injuries and suspensions are now biting and the loss of key players cruelly exposes that soft underbelly.

We can only hope that the players called on in times of crisis rise to the task because, as the festive season approaches, we may have the foundations of a good side, but we still lack the trimmings.

These next few months, without Danny Coyne and Richard Chaplow, are going to shape the season.

I just hope and pray that the football Burnley play continues to amaze me!