BELLAMY TALKS BRIGHTON DRAW

Assistant boss reflects on Turf Moor encounter

Assistant manager Craig Bellamy was impressed with the Clarets’ display in the 1-1 draw against the Seagulls, but admits there is a slight disappointment at the missed chances in the tight contest.

Burnley had opportunities to take the lead in the first half through David Fofana and Jacob Bruun Larsen but the two teams headed into the break goalless.

Josh Brownhill came off the bench in the second half and put Burnley ahead before an unfortunate own goal clawed the visitors level four minutes later.

Bellamy, taking charge with Kompany serving a touchline suspension, said: “We played really well. We’re all fully aware of the qualities of Brighton, they have an outstanding manager with outstanding players, they’ve proven that for the last year and a bit now.

“But we played well, especially in the first-half. We had good opportunities and should have scored, so coming in at half-time we were a little bit disappointed that we weren’t 1 or 2-0 up, but that can be football.

“In the second-half, the way they manipulate the ball, the way they move the ball, the way they’re ready for the second ball, we just had to keep the intensity because we knew we were using a lot of energy, so we knew we had to keep the ball to be able to recover.

“The game was a tough game all round. We got ourselves into a good position 1-0 up and you’re hoping you can see the three points out, but it wasn’t the case and we end up with a point so that’s that.”

On whether it’s two points dropped, Bellamy added: “Once you’re winning, of course you can definitely look at it that way.

“We were disappointed we weren’t leading in the first-half but to get ourselves in that position, of course you know it’s never over, especially in the Premier League, but we can completely understand the players being disappointed when they come in because we were in a winning position

“We know how vital the points are at this present moment, we know the position we’re in, but can we recover and go again?

“We’ll recover and then we’ll have a good look at Sheffield United, we’ll go through the plan, we’ll go through the week and the players will be fine because they’ve shown their strength of character throughout this.

“There are five games left and 15 points, I honestly believe we’re going to get out of this. Is it rainbow and unicorns? I don’t know, but I honestly believe it.”