Burnley 1-1 Blackburn: Sean Dyche says gap is closing

Burnley manager Sean Dyche says his side's performance in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Blackburn proves they are bridging the gap to their local rivals.

Since Rovers were relegated in 2012, all three meetings between the two clubs have ended in stalemate.

"There's a big gap financially, when you look at the players they've brought in again this year," Clarets boss Dyche told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"But when you look at the gap between the quality of the sides, I think so."

The 42-year-old continued: "Most neutrals would be amazed how we haven't won any of the three games we've had against them. There will be another day - it's 9 March [the date of the return fixture at Ewood Park]."

Burnley were just five minutes away from notching their first victory over Blackburn since 1979 courtesy of a stunning strike from winger Junior Stanislas, but an equaliser from Jordan Rhodes ensured their 34-year wait for a win over Rovers goes on.

"I think most of our fans will be disappointed not to beat Blackburn because of the history," added Dyche.

"But in reality, from where we were at the end of the season and then with - we're in good shape, with good points in the table and showing some good signs for what we're trying to do here."

Scotland international Rhodes netted his fifth goal in three Championship matches to earn a point for Rovers and admitted afterwards he was well aware that losing at Turf Moor would damage Rovers' proud history in the fixture over the past three decades.

The 23-year-old, who cost Rovers £8m from Huddersfield in August 2012, said: "We know the record and I was one of them that was dreading [defeat] because the clock was ticking.

"I know it was a scrappy goal but fortunately it went in and we live to tell the tale.

"It wasn't a great spectacle and the first goal in these games is always pivotal. For us to come away with a result, having been 1-0 down with five minutes to go, we'll take that and move on."