That could prove to be a precious point

Coventry had led from just before half time up to that goal, and Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman somewhat strangely thought his side were worth that lead. He said after the game: "I thought we went into the break deservedly in the lead but in the second half we lacked creativity and we didn't keep the ball well enough. Defending a one goal lead for 45 minutes is impossible to do.

"We should be standing here with three points in the league and in the quarter final of the FA Cup and we've been sucker punched at the end on both occasions. We've played leaders Wolves, Premier League opposition in Blackburn and now Burnley, and we head into a home game with Birmingham on Saturday. We've come out of those games with something.

"But still we should be going into the game against Birmingham with 43 points which would have been great, but to be sucker punched at the end against Burnley was bitterly disappointing."

A delighted Owen Coyle explained that goalscorer Chris Eagles, who was one of three substitutes, was still suffering with a chest infection. "He's still not quite over it yet," Coyle explained, adding: "But he is getting back to himself and I thought he showed the tenacity we saw from him earlier this season and that augers well if we can get him 100 per cent for the run in.

"I decided to use all three substitutes because we were losing 1-0, and as much as we had controlled the game we just hadn't got the goal. As I have said before it shows belief in the players we have got and it was no slant on the lads who came off.

"We were just chasing the game and from my experience I have known that despite dominating you just can't get that elusive goal. We decided to freshen it up and obviously it is pleasing for me that one of our substitutes weighs in with a vital goal."

Coyle continued: "We never got what we deserved in the end because we deserved all three points, but the lads showed real character to get one. Anyone at that game would tell you we were by far and away the better team.

"From start to finish we carried the game but shot ourselves in the foot and had to chase the game. We were camped in their half and had some gilt edged chances.

"I have to say their goalkeeper was outstanding and that's why the lad is valued very highly. I also thought they were terrific defensively, but we should have taken a bigger percentage of chances and in the end we ran out of time because I believe we could have won the game.

"There are enormous positives to take and in the end that could prove to be a precious point."