Graham Branch scored his second goal in as many games as Burnley virtually assured their place in Division One with victory against relegation rivals Derby.

But the Rams are now just one point off the drop zone after this defeat following Gillingham's comeback win at Wimbledon.

In a tense opening 45 minutes, Clarets midfielder Branch capitalised on an error from Rams defender Youl Mawene, who failed to deal with a cross from Mark McGregor.

Branch then drew goalkeeper Lee Grant before slotting home just three minutes before the break to net his third goal of the season.

The home side had a couple of narrow escapes earlier as Manuel Manel, who scored twice in Derby's 5-1 demolition of Preston last weekend, headed Richard Jackson's cross over the crossbar.

Seconds later home goalkeeper Brian Jensen kept the scores level by repelling Leon Osman's close-range shot.

The Clarets, unchanged from the side that beat relegated Wimbledon on Tuesday, carved open a couple of opportunities in the opening five minutes.

Makeshift right-back Tom Huddlestone fouled Paul Weller just outside the area, only for Marcus Tudgay to block Robbie Blake's free-kick.

Grant rescued Derby by pushing former Manchester United defender David May's header round the post from a Blake corner.

Blake also forced Grant into making a smart save with a shot from 20 yards, before Branch knocked in the opener.

The second half started slowly and it took until the 55th minute for Paul Peschisolido to fire in a shot but May got in a vital block.

Branch went close to grabbing a second minutes later but Rams shot-stopper Grant was again alert to the danger.

Both sides made a change with 20 minutes to go, with Derby boss George Burley bringing on winger Marco Reich for Adam Bolder, while opposite number Stan Ternent replaced Glen Little with Neil Wood.

The Rams nearly earned his side a point 11 minutes from time only for Jensen to keep out a header from skipper Ian Taylor.

Teams

Burnley Jensen, Roche, May, McGregor, Camara, Little (Wood 70), Chaplow, Weller, Johnrose, Blake (Chadwick 77), Branch.

Subs Not Used: Adebola, Alan Moore, Abbey.

Booked: Camara, Chadwick, Branch.

Goals: Branch 42.

Derby Grant, Mawene, Johnson, Jackson, Tudgay, Osman, Huddlestone, Bolder (Reich 70), Taylor, Peschisolido (Junior 80), Manel.

Subs Not Used: Oakes, Mills, Doyle.

Att: 16,189

Ref: E Evans (Manchester).