Burnley’s first goal against arch rivals Blackburn Rovers at Turf Moor since Peter Noble scored on Boxing Day 1978 earned a deserved point as December started with the East Lancashire derby.
Sam Vokes headed home Junior Stanislas’ free kick in injury time, after Jordan Rhodes had given the visitors the lead.
Burnley dominated the first half, but found an inspired Paul Robinson in top form.
There followed a highlight of the season as the youth team earned a remarkable 4-3 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, with Jason Gilchrist netting a hat-trick.
The first team couldn’t follow suit the next day, going down 2-0 at Nottingham Forest to second-half goals from Dexter Blackstock and Billy Sharp.
Charlie Austin’s penalty earned a poin against Dyche’s former club Watford at Turf Moor, after Nathan Chalobah’s opener, before Burnley went into Christmas with a 2-2 draw at Birmingham City. Nikola Zigic struck a late equaliser after Ross Wallace and Danny Ings put the Clarets ahead.
Over the festive period, Burnley completed the double over Derby with Austin on target yet again, and a rare Michael Duff goal sealed a 2-0 victory.
However, the year ended with a blow as Leicester City won 1-0 at Turf Moor, with than man David Nugent again haunting the Clarets, while Austin was forced off after aggravating a hamstring injury, which would keep him out for the entire month of January.
• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on {http://bit.ly/LkG6ap|iPhone|Download our football app on iPhone} and {http://bit.ly/IdEJgn|Android|Download our football app on Android} devices.