Nugent saves point as Burnley end losing run

A second-half header from David Nugent enabled Burnley to stop the rot Wednesday in giving his side their first point in five matches.

But a 1-1 home draw against Stoke still left the Clarets in the Premier League drop zone.

Nugent nodded in his sixth goal of the season seven minutes after the restart after Tuncay Sanli had given Stoke a 23rd-minute lead at Turf Moor.

Tuncay was on hand to head in from six yards out when Rory Delap hurled over a trademark long throw that was flicked on by Mamady Sidibe.

Nugent’s riposte came as he outjumped centre half Robert Huth to connect with Martin Paterson’s cross.

But the point, while keeping Stoke in midtable with 35 points from 28 games, means Burnley are still caught in the bottom three with 24 points, level on points with Hull, who have an inferior goal difference, and Wolverhampton.

West Ham are three points better off while Portsmouth, now facing the loss of nine points after going into administration, appear doomed with just 19 points.