Bunrley reserves 3, Port Vale reserves 3

BURNLEY twice came from behind to earn a share of the spoils in a fluctuating Avon Insurance League clash at Vale Park last night.

The Clarets, who included Paul Smith in their line-up on his return from a shin injury, had the best of the early chances with Anthony Shandran twice testing Vale keeper Dean Delaney.

And it was Shandran who put Burnley ahead with a looping header after 26 minutes. John Williamson then went close to adding a second but lifted his shot over the top before the home side levelled on the stroke of half-time when George O'Callaghan volleyed past Craig Mawson.

Vale then went in front eight minutes into the second half when Chris Birchall followed up an O'Callaghan effort that had hit the post to fire home.

Burnley fought back for the first time when Williamson rose to head the equaliser but a third goal in nine minutes restored Vale's advantage courtesy of a goal from Dave Farr, who stabbed a shot beyond Mawson who was back in the Burnley goal following his loan spell with Lincoln City.

The Clarets weren't finished, however, and they secured a point just five minutes later with a neat finish from Michael Devenney.

Collecting a lay-off from Shandran, the full-back coolly lifted a shot over the diving Delaney and Burnley then almost went on to win it when Matty Heywood lashed over a long-range shot in the closing stages.

Burnley reserves: Mawson, Leeson, Pilkington, Scott, Heywood, Boardman, Williamson, Kevan, Shandran, Smith, Devenney. Subs not used: Davis, Waine, Leary, Barrett, Paxton.