BRIAN Laws hopes to be able to look back on Burnley’s 6-1 loss to Manchester City at the end of the season as the turning point which helped his side retain their Barclays Premier League status.

The Clarets’ slim hopes of a second season in the top flight were strengthened by a 4-1 win at fellow relegation candidates Hull.

When Kevin Kilbane headed Hull in front after three minutes, Laws feared a repeat of the previous week’s rout at Turf Moor, when City netted five first-half goals.

But Martin Paterson equalised with a neat turn and shot after 35 minutes, Graham Alexander twice converted from the penalty spot within six second-half minutes and Wade Elliott curled in a stoppage-time fourth as Burnley recorded their first away win of the season.

“I think this will give us a great lift,” said Burnley boss Laws, who was thrilled after his second win from 14 league matches in charge.

“Stupid as it may sound, the fact that we took a thumping from Man City might even be a blessing in disguise.

“And I hope I say that at the end of the season, because it will mean we’re still in the Premier League.”

Burnley remain four points adrift of safety, level on points with Hull, after West Ham beat Sunderland yesterday - a result which confirmed Portsmouth’s relegation.

Asked about the size of the Clarets’ survival prospects, Laws said: “Bigger than last week, but nobody’s going to get carried away. It gives us a fighting chance. We’ve grabbed a hold of a couple of ankles.

“There’s a few teams looking at this result who may look over their shoulder.”