STAN Ternent praised his battling Burnley side after the morale-boosting 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest last night.

The Clarets looked set for a welcome win at one of their main relegation rivals thanks to Richard Chaplow's early strike, before former Turf Moor favourite Gareth Taylor restored parity with just 10 minutes remaining.

But following last weekend's demoralising 4-0 defeat at Coventry, Ternent was delighted with the way his players picked themselves off the floor to edge another point closer to First Division survival.

The Burnley boss said: "I asked for a response from the players and I got that. I thought they were excellent on one of those occasions where both sides needed to win the game.

"My players are a bit disappointed they didn't win because we had most of the clear-cut chances, but just didn't get the break.

"Sooner or later, I am sure they will go in, but to be fair Forest had a few chances of their own and it's another point towards our target. Any point at this stage of the season is a good one."

Ternent added: "I'm especially delighted for the fans. We come to expect their support and that's not right because it's expensive.

"But they care and, after last Saturday, it's marvellous of them to come and I think they have been rewarded by seeing a Burnley side they can be proud of."

The hard-fought draw could have come at a cost, with midfield maestro Tony Grant limping out of the game late on with a knee injury and Neil Wood suffering from a similar problem he has carried for several weeks.

Ternent revealed: "Tony has tweaked his knee and it doesn't look good at the moment, but we will have him scanned up today and see what happened."

The City Ground draw sees the Clarets leapfrog Gillingham to open up a three point gap between themselves and Derby, who currently occupy the last relegation spot.

But Taylor's late goal - his second in as many games against Burnley since joining Forest - keeps things extremely tight at the foot of Division One.

Ternent laughed: "It's Sod's law that Gareth scored and it would be him, wouldn't it? I shook him by the hand at the end and he said 'sorry gaffer'. I said 'well thanks Gareth. That's nice of you.' I think he shanked the goal in off his shin, but never mind!

"Every time the ball went in the box he was a handful because he is a great outlet. Unfortunately I haven't been able to replace him. but nevertheless I thought we played well and fully deserved a point."

Burnley season ticket holders are reminded that they can bring a friend free of charge to Saturday's crunch clash with Wimbledon at Turf Moor.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance and for more details call the club direct.