Burnley eased to a 6-1 pre-season success over Nice who provided little in the way of a stern test, seemingly defeated by a more committed side and the elements.
This time last year Burnley were involved in the UEFA Europa League qualifying phase which disrupted their pre-season and this together with their small squad ensured they had a difficult season in the Premier League which saw them flirt with relegation before ending the season in 15th place, six points clear of the drop zone.
Therefore whilst European opposition were the visitors it was in more relaxing circumstances. The Ligue One visitors Nice came to Turf Moor on the back of a friendly defeat to Cardiff at the weekend and their woeful performance tonight probably explained that result to Championship opposition.
The South of France outfit finished 7th in the league and are managed by former Arsenal and France captain Patrick Vieira.
Interestingly Burnley have three England keepers on their books leaving boss Sean Dyche with a difficult decision over who should be number one.
So far in pre-season, skipper Tom Heaton has played 135 minutes, Nick Pope180 and Joe Hart 225 minutes and it was Heaton who started tonight as Dyche continues his pre-season rotation policy with Hart coming on for the second period.
Unsurprisingly Nice also changed their keeper at the interval with Yannis Clementia taking over between the posts.
The sound of rain beating on the stand roof told its own tale of an afternoon of thundery showers but it was Burnley who settled the quickest on a slick pitch taking the lead after only two minutes.
The Nice defence were woeful in dealing with a cross and Chris Wood was allowed time and space to control and score from close range.
Again the French defence was at fault moments later as the keeper fumbled a cross and Wood was on hand to double the Clarets advantage.
The rain eased but not the goal scoring. This time Jeff Hendrick was given the freedom to convert from six yards. Clearly the weather was not to the liking of the team from the French Riviera.
Certainly Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin thought so; wet it may have been, but certainly not cold but the number seven wore gloves. In fairness he was one of the better players, although he had little competition.
In fact the cynic might suggest the Frenchman was playing to impress considering Newcastle have reportedly lodged an €18m bid for the player.
Number four arrived on 33 minutes with a shot from outside the penalty area by Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
The half ended with the opposition desperately seeking the sanctuary of the dressing room. The Nice subs probably thought this was a good one to sit out.
Nice started the second period looking more solid but reverted to type on 60 minutes with a dreadful pass inside the penalty area allowing Wood to claim his first Clarets hat-trick.
But then it was time for Burnley's defence to be caught cold as Saint-Maximin forced the ball over the line from inside the six yard box.
The biggest cheer of the night was for goal number six scored by substitute Jay Rodriguez who returned to Turf Moor this season after a seven year absence with Southampton and West Brom.
Full Time
Burnley: 6 (Wood 2,8,60, Hendrick 18, Gudmundsson 33, Rodriguez 79)
Nice: 1 (St-Maximin 69)
Venue: Turf Moor
