Preston extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, underlining their play-off credentials with a first win at Lancashire rivals Burnley since 2000.

A clinical volley from England under-21 international David Nugent, to finish off a fine set-piece move involving Paul McKenna and Chris Sedgwick, opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

The Clarets' hopes of a top-six finish have foundered with a winless run that stretches back to Boxing Day and they never looked like getting back on level terms.

And when Frank Sinclair pulled down Patrick Agyemang in the closing stages Graham Alexander doubled the lead with a powerful spot-kick.

It was an explosive start with Preston struggling to clear a Wade Elliott cross and Nugent putting Sedgwick in the clear at the other end only for the winger to fire over.

James O'Connor saw a shot fly wide for Burnley but the visitors took the lead in the 13th minute with a perfectly executed training ground move after John McGreal fouled Danny Dichio on the edge of the area.

McKenna passed the free-kick short to Alexander who flicked the ball up and lofted it into the area for Nugent to volley past Clarets goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

Preston were having few problems coping with a Burnley attack deprived of Sheffield United target Ade Akinbiyi through suspension.

North End had a chance to double their lead with another swift counter attack involving Brian Stock, Sedgwick and Tyrone Mears but Nugent could not control his volley.

Burnley's best moments were coming from set-pieces and Micah Hyde also forced a save from North End goalkeeper Carlo Nash with a decent effort from 25 yards.

Just before the break Preston midfielder Callum Davidson stabbed an effort just wide after he was first to a Dichio flick.

Gifton Noel-Williams headed a Jon Harley cross wide just before the interval and Preston went in a goal up.

There was a scrappy opening to the second period, with the hosts gradually pushing Preston deeper and deeper into their own territory.

But apart from Elliott firing narrowly over from 25-yards after a quick Burnley counter-attack the hosts were still creating very little.

They continued to pound away and had a penalty appeal brought forward by Claude Davis challenge on Noel Williams waved away but they were looking less and less likely to find an equaliser.

With 15 minutes remaining The Clarets were camped in the Preston half but time and again crosses and throws from Harley and Mike Duff were headed away, with Davis a growing presence.

Then with five minutes left, Sedgwick flicked the ball infield to substitute Agyemang, who was felled by a challenge from Sinclair. Alexander smashed the spot-kick into the top-left corner to seal the victory.

Teams

Burnley Jensen, Thomas (Duff 54), McGreal, Sinclair, Harley, Garreth O'Connor (Karbassiyoon 68), Hyde (Spicer 84), James O'Connor, Elliott, Noel-Williams, Branch.

Subs Not Used: McCann, Courtney.

Booked: Elliott, Noel-Williams.

Preston Nash, Mears, Mawene, Davis, Alexander, Sedgwick, McKenna, Stock (Lucketti 45), Davidson, Dichio, Nugent (Agyemang 73).

Subs Not Used: Ward, Whaley, Lewis Neal.

Booked: Nugent, McKenna.

Goals: Nugent 13, Alexander 86 pen.

Att: 17,220

Ref: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).