MISERLY Burnley will be bidding to keep goals off Blackpool's Sunday lunchtime menu to serve up a derby victory for the Turf Moor fans this weekend.

The Clarets' run of four successive clean sheets was ended by a 2-1 defeat at Luton Town last Saturday.

But along with Bristol Rovers, Stan Ternent's men still boast the best defensive record in Division Two with just 11 goals conceded in 16 games.

And key defender Mitchell Thomas believes more rock-solid defending allied to Burnley's increasing attacking threat will always stand the Clarets in good stead.

He said: "All the defenders, the goalkeeper and the whole team are delighted to keep clean sheets. And with Andy Payton and Andy Cooke up front and our midfield we are always capable of getting a goal.

"Once we get our noses in front we believe we can progress and win the game."

A seventh home success on Sunday would keep Burnley within touching distance of the top of the table.

And Clarets vice-chairman Ray Ingleby believes things are shaping up well.

"Every game the players are gaining more and more in confidence.

"I have observed that going all around the country.

"And they are playing more attractive football as the season goes on.

"I think we have the best chance for a number of years of getting promoted this season," he said.

And Ingleby is clear about where he wants to see Burnley heading in the not-too-distant future. He added: "I want to have sustainable First Division football with the chance of one day getting Premiership football.

"Burnley are as entitled to success, because of their past and tradition, as Bradford, Charlton, Crystal Palace or Watford.

"If they can make it to the Premiership, then we can make it one day.

"Our belief is that over the next couple of years the divide between the Premiership and the First Division and the rest will grow.

"And we don't want to be the rest. We are too big a club to be the rest."

Gordon Armstrong should be fit to face Blackpool and Lenny Johnrose and Dean West are also in line for a return to the squad. However, Paul Smith and Tom Cowan remain doubtful.

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