SKIPPER Peter Clarke is demanding solid defensive discipline throughout the Huddersfield Town team when they tackle Burnley tonight.
The 31-year-old is well aware Mark Robins’ side have conceded 19 goals in their last four Championship away trips and wants some backbone to be shown at Turf Moor (7.45).
A clean sheet against Ipswich was welcome, helping Town open a three-point gap on the relegation placings, and Clarke says they can’t afford to drop those standards to grab a first win at Burnley in 41 years.
“We added a point on Saturday to the process of getting where we want to be and there were plenty of good signs from us,” said centre-back Clarke.
“There was a terrific work ethic, with lads showing a real willingness to defend all over the pitch. That’s something that we want, something that was needed and perhaps what has been missing a little bit.
“Burnley are doing okay, but we got a good result against them earlier in the season (a 2-0 win) and if we can replicate that performance and victory then it would be perfect.”
On-loan Derby striker Theo Robinson could make a first start under Robins, who continues to scour the transfer market for further imports.
“Theo gives us a real threat in behind with his pace,” said Clarke, whose colleagues have let in six at Nottingham Forest, three at Derby, four at Watford and six at Leicester in their most recent away league ventures.
“When he gets in those positions he has a good record in front of goal and, while it wasn’t to be for him against Ipswich, hopefully over the coming days and weeks he will get a little bit sharper and score us plenty of goals while he’s here.”
Burnley have picked up only two points themselves from the last 15 to be just six points ahead of Town.
“There is a belief we have more than enough within our group to make sure we move up the table,” added Clarke.
“The sooner we do that the better, obviously, and that means being resolute and well organised and making sure that if we can’t win games, we don’t lose them.”
