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The Clarets got off to a comfortable start, forcing a flurry of corners in the first twenty minutes that never really threatened the visitors goal. This seemed to set the pattern of play, Burnley having plenty of possession without really making the visiting keeper work for his money. If the truth be told, barring a tame header from a corner, Keiren Westwood had little to do, whilst at the other end Brian Jensen had nothing to field other than a couple of long range efforts.
That said, there was a feeling that it was only a matter of time and the first goal would be key, with Blake and Elliott looking the most likely to unlock the visitors back line.
As half time approached, Burnley were hit with the sucker punch. A cross field ball was badly misjudged by Jordan at left back. Henderson picked the ball up and drove for the byline before lofting a cross to the far post which was met firmly by the masked head of Leon Best to give the visitors an unlikely half time lead.
It was a disappointing way to go into half time. Jordan unfortunately seems to be one of those players that gets every mistake punished, but in fairness the defending in the box against the header was weak at best.
The second half couldn't come quick enough - anything to get the loud jungle music and falling cheerleaders off the pitch was a bonus. Yes, I think I am getting old!
Burnley started the second half with renewed vigour. Paterson was released by Blake, his effort being the first real test for Westwood. From the resulting corner, Blake played it to the edge of the box for Alexander to strike well, leading to a scramble with the keeper eventually smothering the ball 2 yards out.
Pressure was building - Paterson headed wide from an Elliott cross, but then came the moment Burnley should have equalised. Again it was Blake, picking up a quick Alexander free kick and driving at the heart of Coventry's defence before putting Thompson through on goal. Thompson unfortunately got it all wrong, tamely looping his effort over the bar when he should really have scored.
On the hour, a Blake corner to the back post was met by duff whose header was half saved by Westwood before being cleared off the line. Elliott got down the right again putting in a dangerous cross that Paterson couldn't quite get enough on, and by this point it was all the home side.
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Coyle boldly made 3 substitutions. Jordan, Thompson and surprisingly Blake were withdrawn for Eagles, McDonald and Rodriguez. Unfortunately, it seemed initially to have a negative effect, as the head of steam we built up floundered and momentum was lost. We couldn't seem to find either winger in telling positions, and there was a danger of the game petering away.
With just over 5 minutes left, a real route one ball was flicked on by young Rodriguez. The defender made a right hash of dealing with it, looping the ball backwards for Paterson to run on. Unfortunately, it bounced at an awkward height for him and all he could manage to do was head it into the grateful arms of Westwood.
Into the last minute of normal time and Burnley's hard work was finally rewarded, again with Rodriguez winning a flick on for Eagles to run onto. His first touch was good, his second sublime as he lifted it over the advancing keeper for that much deserved equaliser.
A point from a game we ought to have won was initially disappointing, but the other results on the night showed how tough this division is and we moved back up to 7th as others slipped. In hindsight we'd have taken 4 points from the last two games, but maybe not with the results we expected.
The Clarets just seemed to lack that cutting edge on the night, with Paterson - the sponsors strange choice of man of the match - and Thompson looking particularly leg weary.
Blake's withdrawal seemed a strange one to me, though the sight of him limping quite heavily with an ice pack strapped to his calf at the end of the game may tell its own story.
There were some good performances and some below par performances. My choice of man of the match was between Duff, who hopefully will now carry this good form through for the rest of the season, Elliott who looked a constant threat, and Rhys Williams.
In the end, I plumped for our on loan right back, who had another assured game defensively, supported Elliott well and looked as composed on the ball as ever.
On we go now to Norwich at the weekend, knowing full well we are well and truly in this play off chase.