SEAN Dyche was left frustrated after seeing Southampton snatch a controversial late equaliser at Turf Moor to deny Burnley a first win since mid-December.

Ashley Barnes had put the Clarets ahead midway through the second half but in the final minute referee Bobby Madley got in the way of Ashley Westwood and from the turnover of possession Southampton broke and Manolo Gabbiadini slammed home an equaliser on the turn.

Turf Moor vented its fury at Madley, but despite the frustration Dyche was pleased with the performance of his side.

"The fans were really disappointed, everyone wants to see their team just given a chance, but the performance was solid," the Clarets chief said.

"I have mixed feelings on that really. I still think there is more to come. Still think we are moulding the team.

"It was solid. We didn’t give a lot away. It’s just so frustrating for everyone involved because the game was going nowhere other than us winning – all we can do is keep working."

The late equaliser means the Clarets haven't won since beating Stoke City on December 12, a run of 12 games.

But Burnley were the better team against the Saints, with a stunning Nick Pope save to deny Josh Sims in the second half the only time he was really troubled until the late equaliser.

"It was another interesting afternoon let’s say," Dyche said. "Without being brilliant I thought we were solid but you can only control the controllables and things out of ours went against us.

"The fans want an even contest and to see it delivered. Apart from Nick Pope making a fantastic save we have done enough to win."

Dyche was disappointed that Burnley didn't get some marginal decisions from Madley, with Alex McCarthy appearing to handle outside the penalty area, while the Clarets wanted a foul from Gabbiadini on Kevin Long as he turned to equalise, while an even later penalty appeal was turned down when Barnes went down under a challenge from Wesley Hoedt.

"The goalkeeper handled outside box. Ashley Barnes was fouled for a penalty but fortunately jumps up and scores anyway. Then there was the moment when the ref unfortunately gets hit with the ball that puts them on the counter," Dyche said of the decisions.

"Kevin Long was pulled back by the shirt when there wasn’t a lot in it to be honest, but everyone gets a free kick from them. And Ashley Barnes was pulled down by a hand on his shoulder."