Burnley boss Steve Cotterill juggled his pack for the Carling Cup second round tie against Oldham Athletic.

And it paid off as he made four changes from the side which went down 2-0 at Scunthorpe, including the surprise inclusion of John Spicer in the much-talked-about right back berth.

It may not have been the most entertaining at times but the Clarets are through to round three after a hard-fought 3-0 win, thanks to secodn half goals from strikers Andy Gray, Robbie Blake and Ade Akinbiyi.

In a sign of things to come, it was a pretty quiet start and fans had to wait until the fifth minute for any kind of action.

That came about when a wayward interception from Wade Elliott put former Claret Michael Ricketts through but his cross-cum-shot evaded everyone and the Clarets defence was able to see it out to safety.

Elliott almost made up for it just seconds later when his inch perfect through ball found Robbie Blake in a good position. Unfortunately his shot was blocked well by an Oldham defender and the Clarets had to settle for a corner, which was wasted.

Steven Jordan came the closest to breaking the deadlock just before the half hour mark when his lofted shot from distance looked to have caught Crossley unaware but unfortunately his shot just cleared the cross bar and the visitors keeper, who had recovered well, breathed a sigh of relief.

As the half wore on, it was the Latics turn to press and Chris Taylor persistence in the box almost paid off but his shot squeezed wide of Brian Jensen's upright after a decent spell from the visitors.

Andy Gray was up-ended by Crossley on 42 minutes but he was flagged offside by the assistant referee as he broke into the six yard box.

The last action of a somewhat uninspiring first half saw Chris McCann booked for a foul in the centre circle.

Halftime and the sides went in all square at 0-0.

Looking to press home the advantage and secure a third round spot, Steve Cotterill made two changes at half time with Alan Mahon and James O'Connor replacing Joey Gudjonsson and Steve Jones.

The visitors started the brighter and had their sizeable away following on the edge of the seats.

But the Clarets managed to resist the pressure and Robbie Blake was unlucky not to get on the end of a good cross from Stephen Jordan who broke well down the right following good cross field play by the Burnley midfield.

Robbie Blake rattled the Oldham post from a free kick around 30 yards out in the 55th minute as the tie swung in the Clarets favour.

We didn't have to wait long and Burnley did break the deadlock on the hour mark when Andy Gray controlled a ball in the box and lofted it over Mark Crossley and into the far corner.

Gray was denied a penalty two minutes after he looked to be pulled in the six yard box following a good run and through ball from Chris McCann.

Jensen staked his claim for a place in the starting line up against Colchester on Saturday with a good point blank save on 72 minutes as the half once again settled down into one of few chances for either side.

He repeated the feat a few minutes later when he beat away Chris Taylor's shot as the Clarets began to feel some Oldham pressure.

Good play between Blake and Mahon almost unlocked the Oldham defence shortly after but the final ball was well cut out by the defence with Blake looking to break into the 18 yard box.

Another crisp move found Wade Elliott in space just seven yards out but he blasted his effort well over on 74 minutes.

The Clarets didnt have to wait long and a super through ball from half time substitute Alan Mahon found Robbie Blake behind the Oldham defence. He didn't need a second invitation and he calmly slid the ball under Mark Crossley to secure Burnley's place in the third round draw.

Blake left the field to a standing ovation two minutes later as he was replaced by Ade Akinbiyi for the final few minutes.

Wolfenden was the next to try his look in front of the Burnley goal but Jensen again pulled off a first class save to deny him. It wasn't to be the last save Jensen made and he palmed a good long range free kick over on 83 minutes as Oldham looked to get something out of the game.

Akinbiyi made it three when he broke free of the Oldham defence in stoppage time and smash a shot passed Crossley to complete the job for the Clarets.

Burnley: Jensen, Carlisle, Caldwell, Jordan, McCann, Jones (Mahon 46), Gudjonsson (J O'Conno 46), Spicer, Elliott, Gray, Blake (Akinbiyi 77).
Subs: Unsworth.

Oldham: Crossley, Eardley, Thompson, Gregan, Bertrand, Smalley, Kalala, McDonald, Taylor, Ricketts, Davies.
Subs: Pogliacomi, Liddell, Wolfenden, Trotman, Lomax.

Ref: K Hil