SCHOOLBOY Marc Pugh grabbed a stoppage time equaliser to earn Ronnie Jepson's reserves a precious point at Turf Moor last night.

Pugh, who will be sitting his GCSEs in a few weeks, was one of several pupils in a very inexperienced line up. But he was the boy on the spot as another youngster Neil Trotman launched a long throw into the Walsall box.

With Liam Eves, Joel Pilkington and Robert Grimes all injured only the presence of Marlon Beresford and Tony Grant added any experience to the side, Grant only playing the first half.

Walsall also opted for youth and it was the home side that dominated the first half. Damien Hindle, Mark Rasmussen and Andrew Waine all had chances with the visitors kept at bay.

Another schoolboy Darryl Avery replaced Grant and Walsall came more into the game. Shortly after they had hit the bar, Matty Fryatt rounded Beresford and slid the ball home from an angle.

Burnley added Trotman to their attack as they chased an equaliser but suffered a blow when Hindle had to go off after a collision having once again done well.

Having used all three subs the Clarets were down to ten men but still battled on to fully deserve Pugh's last gaps leveller.

Elsewhere last night Oldham beat Preston to leave the Clarets needing four points from their last two games to be sure of safety.

They play at Tranmere on Monday, and then at home to Bury next Wednesday.

Burnley: Beresford; Pitham, Leeson, Townsend, Scott, Carpenter (Trotman 72), Rasmussen, Grant (Avery 46), Waine, Ince (Pugh 63); Hindle. Subs not used: Hale, Preston.

Walsall: Harris; Willets, Wright (Branch 70), Caines, Harkness; Stanley, Taylor, Taylor, Birch (Wheeler 70), Fryatt, Atieno.

BURNLEY RES ...1 WALSALL RES ...1