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Scott Arfield's strike extended Burnley's unbeaten run in the east Lancashire derby to five games, sealing a 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers.

His second-half shot from the edge of the box settled it, coming against the run of play after Jordan Rhodes and Tom Lawrence had gone close for Rovers.

The home side were inches away from an equaliser when Craig Conway struck the crossbar late on.

Burnley moved up to third in the Championship with the three points.

There was controversy in each box, with penalty shouts for both clubs, as Clarets midfielder Joey Barton hit the turf before Lawrence was upended at the other end.

However, referee Keith Stroud kept the whistle away from his lips in a game which unusually for a derby had no cautions or dismissals.

In front of a near-20,000 crowd at Ewood Park the rivals began at pace in spiky fashion, although that slowed as tempers cooled.

Rovers' best chances fell to their front two of Rhodes, who scored in three of the last four against Burnley, and Lawrence, but both were denied by a combination of Tom Heaton and a lack of composure.

Andre Gray and Barton went close for the visitors, with the latter calling for a penalty when he went down, while Sam Vokes had a shot saved by Jason Steele.

After a goalless first period Conway proved a useful outlet for Rovers, who looked the brighter side and should have opened up a lead when Lawrence blazed over after neat interplay with Rhodes.

Rhodes then turned Michael Keane inside out but his tame effort was saved, and the miss was compounded when Burnley broke and the ball fell to Arfield to delight the 4,500 travelling fans with an unerring finish.

It stunned Gary Bowyer's side, and by the time they recovered time was against their search for a comeback goal.

Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer:

"It's a game we shouldn't have lost, quite simply. The number of chances that we created, the football we played, especially in the second half, we were dominant.

"Then we got done by a sucker punch of a wonder goal; it's hugely disappointing.

"In terms of the performance level, it was clear to see that we were the better team. It comes to the stage where you've got to win football matches and that's what it is about."

Burnley manager Sean Dyche:

"This is a division where you have to find different ways to win. Sometimes you can win by turning up and playing very well, sometimes you fight.

"Sometimes it's a moment of quality mixed with fight, which was today's performance. Blackburn, they've come and made a real go of it, and had the best chance of the game, if not (the best) two.

"There was a moment of luck today with a golden chance missed but we certainly found a way to win."