Source: Team_Talk
Duo strike as Clarets KO Dons
Coyle has been heavily linked with a return to former club Bolton to replace Gary Megson but saw his current side turn in a solid display to dispatch the gutsy Dons.[LNB]First-half goals from captain Graham Alexander and Steven Fletcher put the Premier League side on course for only a second away win of the season and Coyle also saw his side hit the woodwork twice after the break before substitute Dean Morgan struck late on for the Dons.[LNB]Bolton have yet to approach Coyle about the vacancy at the Reebok Stadium but the former Wanderers striker remains a clear favourite with the bookies.[LNB]While Burnley find themselves currently two points better off in the table than Bolton, the Trotters' long-standing position in the top flight would give Coyle more financial clout.[LNB]However he would be leaving behind a team which he has moulded into an attractive and entertaining unit and the challenge to convert Bolton into a similar side may prove too much to ask.[LNB]For the Dons, the tie marked the start of a decade which could see them play a part in a World Cup in 2018 and they remain in the race for promotion themselves.[LNB]Manager Paul Ince won the FA Cup twice as a Manchester United player and saw his side compete well before Fletcher won a 23rd-minute penalty.[LNB]Fletcher cut in from the right byline and after beating one defender was tripped by Mathias Doumbe, leaving referee Tony Bates little option but to point to the spot.[LNB]Alexander stepped up and was his usual reliable self, smashing home off the right-hand post to give the Clarets the lead.[LNB]Robbie Blake came close to a second just after the half-hour mark after more good work from Fletcher.[LNB]Fletcher won a header to find Blake in space on the left of the area, and after a lovely turn deceived Luke Howell he sent in a shot which was well blocked by a sprawling Dons defender.[LNB]Burnley had kicked into gear and the impressive Fletcher doubled the lead in the 35th minute.[LNB]Chris Eagles seized on a loose Doumbe pass in midfield and slid Fletcher in on goal with a fabulous through-ball.[LNB]Fletcher cut inside onto his left foot and arrowed a low shot through goalkeeper Willy Gueret and into the back of the net.[LNB]Burnley started the second period in impressive style and came close to a third goal when Wade Elliott struck the crossbar.[LNB]A Blake free-kick hit the wall and Elliott smashed the loose ball past Gueret and against the woodwork.[LNB]Fletcher headed a free-kick onto the roof of the net and should have sealed the win after great play by Eagles.[LNB]Eagles tormented Dons captain Dean Lewington before picking out Fletcher with a perfect cross which the Scot headed powerfully past Gueret - only to see the ball strike the post.[LNB]The sizeable away fans were busy singing Coyle's name - as well as disparaging that of near neighbours Bolton - as the half progressed before the hosts came to life.[LNB]Peter Leven and substitute Luke Chadwick were both denied by goalkeeper Brian Jensen as Ince's side threw caution to the wind.[LNB]Jude Stirling was thrown on with 10 minutes to go and saw a volley with his first touch well blocked as the home side piled on the pressure.[LNB]And Stirling was the provider in the 89th minute when his cross was smashed home by substitute Morgan off the underside of the crossbar.[LNB]But Burnley held on to give Coyle a rare win on the road and join Bolton in the hat for round four.[LNB][LNB]
