Sean Dyche hails "first class" Burnley response in battling draw

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has praised the character shown by his side to bounce back from an early setback in their home draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Clarets were behind with 57 seconds on the clock, as Bobby Zamora reacted quickest at the back post to turn the ball home for the unbeaten visitors.

It took less than three minutes for Burnley to respond, though, thanks to Andre Gray's 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot to help his side claim a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.

"I thought they got a very fortuitous start," BT Sport quotes Dyche as saying. "I've seen it back and every time we blocked it, it seems to land perfectly for their player, so I won't be too critical of my players for that. But our reaction, as ever, was first class.

"It was a definite penalty, which is good because we've had a lot not given this season. Then after that, the game was pretty even first half and I thought second half, chances wise, we were productive and had the best chances to go and win it. Brighton are a good side and they've made a mark for themselves this season by being unbeaten.

"We've opened up enough chances to win the game. But it was a very close game between two even sides I feel. The good thing I like about this group is they don't take knocks to heart. They come and react immediately and I thought they did. I thought we were on the front foot for a lot of the game against a good side."

Burnley, who remain two points adrift of their opponents, return to Championship action next weekend with a trip to face Cardiff City.