Coyle: Clarets deserved crucial victory

Burnley boss Owen Coyle hailed his side's biggest win of the season after they edged their vital Roses clash with Sheffield United 1-0 at Turf Moor.

A first-half header from Martin Paterson went a long way towards sealing a Coca-Cola Championship play-off berth for the Clarets, who leapfrogged Reading into fifth.

"To be fair to Sheffield United they do put the ball into your box. Whatever way it comes in, whether it's long throws or set plays, they have a good delivery," said Coyle.

"They stood up to everything they had and Brian (Jensen, goalkeeper) didn't have too many saves to make. But if you look at the other end, Paddy Kenny was outstanding, and he kept them in it.

"We scored a terrific footballing goal and I felt when we did get the ball down and pass and move -although it was frantic at times - we showed great composure on the ball.

"The players we have are terrific running with the ball - The (Chris) McCanns, the (Chris) Eagles, the (Wade) Elliotts - and they all did that."

Coyle went against the grain by insisting that performances were still paramount at this crucial stage of the season.

"The three points were important but the level or performance is what were after," he added.

"And at this stage of the season against a very good side who are going for automatic promotion and still have a chance to do so.

"But we more than merited the three points tonight and I'm just disappointed we didn't add to our goal tally."