Mee’s mixed feelings, but Clarets edge near safety

Burnley defender Ben Mee had mixed feelings after Saturday’s goalless Stadium of Light draw against Sunderland.

Burnley are up to 32 points, with nine games to go, but are still without an away win after 15 matches on the road this term.

“We were pleased with the first half and disappointed with the second,” Mee said.

“They had a few chances in the second half to score and we had a few in the first half and maybe one or two in the second. It was a close game and probably a fair result in the end.

“We would like to win away from home to stop people talking about the away form, which actually hasn’t been too bad, performance-wise.

“We have just struggled to get those wins and this was another one.”

The point saw Burnley sit eight points clear of the drop zone, and Sean Dyche’s men look good to ensure safety and a second successive Premier League season for the first time. Discussing the point on Wearside, Mee added on burnleyfootballclub.com: “It’s not negative. That’s the way it is and that’s the way we’ve got to look at it.

“That’s the aim for the season – to stay in this league. It’s an important point and we have got a few big games to come now back at Turf Moor.

“We are in a good position going into the final games and we want to push on and get as many points we can.

“It will be nice to get back playing in front of the home fans, but fair play to the away fans. They’ve been fantastic for us. It’s been fantastic to see that after the game and all credit to them for still following us and supporting us.”

Dyche praised Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford for his late save from Sam Vokes to deny Burnley from securing a first away success.

“I did think when Vokes went through at the end and did everything right, struck it hard and low, that it might have been the moment but their keeper makes a great save,” said Dyche.

“But we’re in good shape. We’ve got good points on the table considering everyone thought we’d get nothing, and there are nine games left.

“There’s a lot of work to do. We’ve got to continue playing hard and doing all the details to get points.”

Burnley enjoyed their first clean sheet in seven games.