STANLEY manager James Beattie was happy with his side’s performance despite the 1-0 defeat to Premier League Burnley.

Beattie knows his side are not yet the finished article as they look forward to the League Two opener on August 9th.
But he believes his side are getting there after decent shows in the 2-2 draw with Blackburn and the narrow loss to the Clarets.

“It’s been a great week for the club having Blackburn and Burnley down here,” said Beattie. “I want to thank both managers for bringing strong sides to play against us.

“Against Burnley, it was hot and a bit of game management had to come in. We had to hold onto the ball better as we were working so hard to win the ball back and then giving it away cheaply.

“Sean brought two decent sides down and I think we showed them too much respect initially and I told the lads they have got nothing to fear. We shouldn’t fear anyone as when we do things well and do things simply we area very good team.

“We are not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination and there is a lot to work on but we have the core of a very good side.”