Fulham missed a potentially crucial chance to further reel in their relegation rivals as they were held to a 10th Premier League draw of the season by Burnley on Wednesday evening.
Scott Parker’s 18th-placed side travelled to Turf Moor on the back of a Josh Maja-inspired shock 2-0 win at Everton at the weekend, hoping to further reduce the gap to Newcastle in 17th to just four points.
It was the hosts, fresh off their own surprising 3-0 triumph at Crystal Palace, that created the better chances during a competitive but relatively dour first half, with Kevin Long - starting in place of injured Burnley captain Ben Mee - heading over from close range and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola getting a crucial touch to prevent Jay Rodriguez from turning in a low James Tarkowski cross just before the interval.
But it was Fulham that got their noses in front just four minutes after half-time as a corner from the right caused panic inside the Burnley box and deflected into the path of full-back Ola Aina, who managed to smartly chest the ball goal-bound and watched as Robbie Brady failed in his attempts to hack clear on the line.
However, that advantage lasted barely three minutes as Ashley Barnes showed great composure to beat Areola after Tosin Adarabioyo had been beaten all too easily by Rodriguez down Fulham’s left flank.
Neither side could produce a late winner and Fulham now lie six points adrift of safety with key games against bottom club Sheffield United and Crystal Palace followed by tough tests in the form of Liverpool and Manchester City.
Burnley, meanwhile, will be feeling confident of avoiding any relegation fears as they move 15th and eight points above the drop zone.
