BURNLEY took a 16th minute lead through Kieran Trippier's fourth goal of the season, but can count themselves fortunate to be going in level at half-time.
The Clarets have been under pressure for much of the half against a Portsmouth side battling for Championship survival.
Trippier put Pompey on the back foot after striking the ball well when David Edgar dummied Dean Marney's low corner, allowing it to roll through to the right back just outside the area.
But Portsmouth's response was quick and clinical, as Luke Varney's cut back found David Norris, who side-footed in at the far post.
Other opportunities opened up for Scott Allan and twice for Chris Maguire as Burnley struggled to get to grips with the home side.
But after weathering the storm the Clarets were unlucky not to grab a second on the stroke of half-time. Ben Mee cut in from the left after linking with Ross Wallace and Jamie Ashdown was at full stretch to stop his deflected shot dipping under the bar.
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