Pompey halt Burnley play-off charge

Pompey's season may be over in terms of up or down, but those who made it onto the pitch down their manager proud, teams with nothing to play for generally roll over against those fighting for a cause, Pompey though made Burnley scrap for every ball and could have won the game.

Pompey were able to welcome de Laet back after he recovered from what looked a serious calf injury, Cotterill also replaced Dickinson on the left of midfield while Kanu got a full 90 minutes in.

Burnley were no doubt hoping for an easy ride in the quest for a play-off spot, Pompey though were able to play with a freedom, Joel Ward once again running midfield with Mullins, Burnley had the early efforts at goal though, Rodriguez heading over and Eagles hitting a 30 yard volley past the post. Rodriguez missed another effort, Ashdown blocking his shot and then following up to deny Fox, Nugent then missed the best chance of the game, Cotterill finding his head in the box, Nugent finding only Jensen in the goal.

As Burnley pressed for what would be a crucial first goal in the second half, Nugent hit a beauty, Kanu squared to his strike partner 20 yards out and his right foot did the rest, goal number 13 establishing him firmly as top scorer for the season.

Burnley obviously shellshocked pressed immeadiately for the equaliser, Ashdown though again performing well to deflect Elliott's shot wide and then parry away Iwelumo's header.

Chris Eagles has been the Claret's star man all season, he showed again why with quarter of an hour remaining, angling a left footed drive past the impressive Ashdown for the leveller.

Nugent had the chance to win it with 5 minutes remaining, he showed his achilles heel however, once again going one-on-one with a 'keeper and spurning the chance.

So, 2 points in an Easter weekend we perhaps expected nothing, still, plenty of off field talf to keep us gossiping!

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