West Ham confirmed their reputation as the First Division's most difficult side to beat away from home with another draw, 1-1 against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Graham Branch was the unlikely scorer of the first goal in a game which saw a steady stream of chances.

He broke a drought stretching back to February 2001 when he put Burnley ahead just after the half hour, but their lead lasted just five minutes as David Connolly levelled from the penalty spot.

Though the result extends West Ham's impressive away run - they have lost only twice on their travels all season - boss Alan Pardew must be concerned by his side's lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

Bobby Zamora and Connolly were the main culprits and, although Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen deserves credit for a solid display, Pardew will feel West Ham deserved more than a ninth draw in 12 away matches.

The quality of finishing left much to be desired early on.

Burnley's Glen Little failed to keep his effort down after linking up with Robbie Blake, while Connolly's side-footed shot was comfortably saved by Jensen.

West Ham dominated early on but Burnley went closest to opening the scoring through Blake, whose shot was kept out by Hammers goalkeeper Stephen Bywater at his near post.

Given the lack of cutting edge in front of goal, it came as little surprise when Christian Dailly's 30-yard strike sailed wide, Blake having stung Bywater's palms moments earlier.

Michael Carrick was off target with an ambitious long-range drive, and West Ham's frustrations were epitomised by a disagreement between Connelly and strike partner Marlon Harewood following another wasted opportunity.

Branch punished West Ham for their profligacy in the 31st minute, coolly beating Bywater after Blake's superbly measured ball behind Hayden Mullins, but the visitors equalised from their next meaningful attack.

Zamora was tugged back by Mark McGregor as he broke away, and Connolly made no mistake from 12 yards after referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot.

Zamora tested Jensen before half-time - Little cleared off the line from the resulting corner - although the former Brighton and Tottenham striker failed to force the goalkeeper into a save with a close-range header after the restart.

Burnley, who had grounds for complaint with West Ham's penalty, were denied a spot kick of their own when David May fell under the challenge of Dailly, who had earlier made a decisive saving tackle on Branch.

Jon Harley's free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Jensen as West Ham pressed for the winner, while Blake was unsuccessful with a late drive from distance.

Teams:

Burnley Jensen, Roche (West 55), May, McGregor, Camara, Chadwick (Alan Moore 87), Grant, Little, Branch, Blake, Ian Moore.

Subs Not Used: Scott, Townsend, Pugh.

Booked: West, Branch, Blake.

Goals: Branch 31.

West Ham Bywater, Mullins, Dailly, Repka, Harley, Harewood (McAnuff 75), Carrick, Reo-Coker, Etherington (Nowland 90), Connolly (Deane 81), Zamora.

Subs Not Used: Srnicek, Melville.

Booked: Etherington, Harley.

Goals: Connolly 36 pen.

Att: 12,440

Ref: P Dowd (Staffordshire).