English Premier League

Burnley 0 – 0 West Ham

Relegation-threatened Burnley dealt West Ham a frustrating blow in their pursuit of a Champions League spot by battling to earn a point in a scrappy affair at Turf Moor.

The home side, who have won just once in the league this season, had moments of promise but their point owed much to the resistance offered by central defenders Ben Mee and James Tarkowski as they stood up to a stream of West Ham deliveries from wide areas.

Sean Dyche’s side saw Chris Wood head over when well placed in the opening minutes while headers from Issa Diop and Said Benrahma drew fine saves from Burnley keeper Nick Pope either side of half-time.

West Ham had strong claims for a penalty in the opening period when Dwight McNeil caught Craig Dawson in the box and manager David Moyes may feel aggrieved.

Burnley, to their credit, failed to give the visitors a clear opening of any sort and time and again well-placed defenders intervened.

Jay Rodriguez was inches away from tapping in a late winner for Burnley who now sit 18th – two points adrift of Watford – and have drawn seven of their past 10 league games. Their grit is obvious, while fourth-placed West Ham may need to find a touch more craft in the final third if they are to maintain their position.

-bbc