Wigan Athletic 0 Burnley 0

Last updated : 31 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Robbie Blake's normally deadly touch in front of goal deserted him and his second half miss saved play-off hopefuls Wigan from being on the receiving end of a smash and grab in a hard fought derby in dreadful conditions at the JJB Stadium.

The 17-goal Claret's striker was sent clear by his strike partner Ian Moore but failed to come up with the finish to beat Wigan's John Filan who used his legs to keep out the low shot.

But Burnley keeper Brian Jensen was also on top form with a string of excellent saves.

Wigan had the clearer of the first half chances to break the deadlock but twice Jensen came to the rescue.

He set the mood in the 20th minute when busy midfielder Jimmy Bullard beat the wall from a free-kick a yard outside the box.

But Jensen produced a brilliant save diving to his right and just managing to get one hand to the ball before it crept in.

He was in action again tipping away a shot from Lee McCullough and he enjoyed a slice of luck when Jason Roberts, Wigan's £2 million striker, fired just wide from six yards.

Wigan did get the ball in the net after 37 minutes when Jason De Vos headed in but referee Uriah Rennie ruled it out for a push.

Burnley were content to strike on the break and keeper Filan - making his 100th consecutive appearance - had to move smartly off his line to win the race to clear the ball as Ian Moore chased on to a long clearance.

Jensen was in similar mood in the second half twice keeping out free kicks from Bullard but the Clarets failed to cash in when leading scorer Blake failed to get the better of the Wigan keeper.

Wigan threw everything at the Clarets in the final minutes with Bullard just inches away with a fierce strike from long range and sub Andy Liddell blasted one over the bar.

But Burnley had their moments too in a frantic finish with Filan keeping out shots from Glen Little and on-loan Manchester United midfielder Neil Wood.

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