The 18-goal striker also saw a golden chance in each half go astray as Burnley increasingly laid siege to the hosts’ goal in search of a winner.

But the Clarets had to settle for a share of the spoils that extended their unbeaten run to eight games and kept them hot on the heels of the top two.

January signing James Tarkowski replaced Michael Duff on the bench in the only change to the 18-man squad.

The Clarets starting line-up was unchanged for the fifth game league running – and the visitors should have been ahead within three minutes.

Scott Arfield picked out George Boyd with a smart ball in behind two defenders and when the wide man picked out Gray’s run to the near post, the Clarets top scorer somehow side-footed over from point-blank range.

The Royals created their first opening in the 13^th minute, when Hal Robson-Kanu ran the right channel and crossed deep for strike partner Yann Kermorgant, whose firm downward header was kept out by a combination of the foot of the post and Tom Heaton’s outstretched arm.

But another good chance came Burnley’s way midway through the half. Good work by David Jones and Joey Barton released Boyd, whose reverse pass found Matt Lowton on the right.

To read the full match report please click on the link below;

Match Report