Wayward finishing costs points

Robbie Blake's fifth penalty conversion of the season earned Burnley a point as Ipswich managed to extend an undefeated sequence to eight matches.

Ipswich only had themselves to blame for failing to take maximum return, as they missed a succession of glorious chances and also presented Burnley with a carelessly conceded penalty when goalkeeper Andy Marshall barged over Ian Moore.

Town looked to be in the driving seat when Spanish striker Pablo Counago took his goals tally into double figures with a straight-forward effort in the 22nd minute.

Jim Magilton got a telling touch to a right wing corner from Darren Ambrose and Counago, unmarked ten yards out, shot low past Nik Michopoulos.

Counago had to be substituted minutes later after a clash of heads with Burnley's defensive debutante Drissa Diallo, who had an impressive first appearance just 48 hours after arriving from troubled Belgium club KV Mechelen.

Diallo made a magnificent goal line clearance to deny Ipswich substitute Darren Bent, who was the man most responsible for Ipswich failing to add to their goals tally.

Twenty minutes into the second half Marshall's lunge at Ian Moore enabled Blake to pull Burnley level but Ipswich then contrived to pass over a host of golden opportunities.

Substitute Bent was not alone as both Marcus Bent and Tommy Miller also missed when it looked easier to score.

Ipswich, now in the top half of the table and just four points away from the promotion play off line, must be among the favourites to clinch a top six position.

But Burnley crippled with injury problems, seem destined to play out the second half of the season floating aimlessly in mid-table.

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