ASHLEY Barnes was delighted to put his recent frustration in front of goal to bed with the opener in the win against West Ham.

The 30-year-old scored his first goal since the end of August 11 minutes into Burnley’s 3-0 Premier League victory, taking him to five for the campaign.

Barnes had started the season with four in his first three games but it is Chris Wood who has hogged more of the headlines in recent weeks as the former went eight games without a goal.

Both are looking to surpass their achievements of last season, Wood, also on five this time around, having tied his strike partner with 13 goals in all competitions in the 2018-19 campaign.

“As long as we both finish higher (in the goalscoring charts) than last year that’s a massive achievement for us,” said Barnes.

“It’s been frustrating and I’ve missed a few chances lately but, for me, it’s about getting into the right position and getting the chances.

“I’d be kicking myself if I wasn’t getting any chances throughout the game but I’ve just got to keep knocking on the door and luckily it happened on Saturday.

“As a goalscorer, you want to hit the back of the net and I’ve done that.”

One the back of three straight defeats, the reverse against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane particularly humbling, the Clarets were desperate to get back on track against the Hammers.

They just did that, and with relative ease, Barnes believing a fast start was vital.

His early strike was followed up by goals from Wood, just before half-time, and an own goal from West Ham keeper Roberto 10 minutes into the second half.

“It was vital from the off (to score early),” Barnes said. 

“We knew that as soon as we came out of the tunnel, out of the changing room, we had to be right at it and luckily we were.

“It was huge, we needed that, obviously coming off the back of not winning in three that was a massive turning point.

“Right from the off we were on the front foot and that’s what we needed to do.

“I think we, as a whole team, needed to put a performance in.

“We know it hasn’t been good enough.”

Now attention turns to travelling to struggling Watford after the international break on November 23, Sean Dyche’s side, 10th in the table, keen to kick on after coming through a sticky patch.

After facing the Hornets, home games follow against Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

“We obviously need to continue from Saturday into the next few games after the international break,” said Barnes. 

“Hopefully, we can regroup now and the lads who are away on international duty, when they get back we can all be ready for Watford.

“On Saturday, the brightest thing was that we created so many chances but unfortunately the goalie made a few great saves and unfortunately we weren’t as clinical but we did well. You just want it to continue and we’ll be raring to go.”