Burnley substitute Paul Weller prevented Portsmouth picking up a much-needed and deserved away victory with a goal two minutes from time.

Weller struck with a left-foot shot from just inside the box when it looked as though Steve Claridge's fourth goal of the season would prove enough to give Pompey the points.

Claridge had found the net in the 72nd minute, scoring from close range after good work down the right by Lee Mills.

Portsmouth had been the better side throughout and the only surprise was that it took them so long to find a route to goal.

They squandered five clear-cut chances in the first half - Mills, Nigel Quashie and Thomas Thogersen the guilty men.

Burnley were restricted to just one on-target effort prior to their equaliser, a Steve Davis header which was saved by Russell Hoult.

Mickey Mellon could have given Burnley the lead early in the second half but directed a volley wide before Portsmouth threatened to take over.

Good work by Mills down the right produced the opening goal which Claridge took in typically opportunistic style.

Mills's cross caused confusion in the home defence and Claridge, back in the side after injury, managed to squeeze the ball home past Greek international goalkeeper Nik Mihopoulos.

It was no more than Portsmouth's attacking play had deserved and they seemed certain to pick up their first away win since last March until a late Burnley onslaught brought a shock equaliser.

Portsmouth for once failed to clear the lines and Weller hit a left-foot shot beyond Hoult, although it was later revealed the ball took a deflection off Pompey midfielder Dave Waterman.

Portsmouth responded and almost won it in injury time, a long-range shot from the hardworking Shaun Derry bringing a fine save from Mihopoulos.

Hoult showed no signs of struggling with a head injury sustained in the first half when he was laid out for close on three minutes.

BURNLEY: Mihopoulos, Thomas, Cox, Davis, Cook, Cooke, Ball, Payton, Little, Mellon, Briscoe. Subs: Crichton, Jepson, Weller, Branch, Johnrose.

PORTSMOUTH: Hoult, Primus, Derry, Moore, Quashie, Thogersen, Waterman, Mills, Lambourde, Keller, Claridge. Subs: Flahavan, Bradbury, Harper, Hiley, O'Neil.

REFEREE: R Pearson (Peterlee).

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