Albion - the verdict

Late last season Albion threw away a 2-1 half-time lead to lose 3-2 against the Clarets.

And they enjoyed no better luck this time as an Andy Gray penalty sent them spinning to defeat in their opening game of the new campaign.

Kevin Phillips had given Albion a deserved half-time lead, coolly firing home in the 18th minute.

But Michael Duff's header immediately after the break brought Burnley back on terms before Gray sealed all three points for the Clarets.

It was harsh on Albion who contributed plenty to an entertaining encounter who were made to pay for their failure to take full advantage of several dangerous counter-attacks.

Read the full story in the Sporting Star.