Preston North End prevented Burnley from going top of the Championship with an impressive performance in a lively but niggly Lancashire derby at Turf Moor.

The visitors had the better of the first half, with Emil Riis netting a fine strike that was wrongly ruled out for offside and Ali McCann wasting a couple of decent opportunities.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden also hit the bar with an attempted cross back across goal.

The Clarets, chasing a fourth win in five games which would have put them a point ahead of still-leaders Sunderland, improved after break, continuing to have the better of possession and having a number of shots blocked.

But, as the game became disted and scrappy, the Lilywhites remained defensively sound to move two points above the relegation zone before the 15:00 BST kick-offs.

A rivalry that is as old as the Football League itself delivered all the ion and commitment expected and although there was only one shot on target apiece in the first half, that far from told the story.

Despite their struggles this season, North End looked sharper and more dangerous and should have been ahead in the opening 10 minutes.

A clever quick free-kick was played down the right by Ben Whiteman as Riis curved his run brilliantly and found the far corner with a low shot, but the assistant's flag intervened.

A combination of some hesitant home defending and smart approach play out wide led to further Preston chances, with McCann slipping and shooting over when well placed and bouncing an effort down into the turf and over the bar.

Robbie Brady also went close against his former club, but the Clarets did have their moments, notably when Jaidon Anthony twice threatened.

The second half was a far tougher watch - feisty, full of fouls, flashpoints and little goalmouth action.

Burnley finished the stronger but were unable to get the victory that would have seen them take advantage of the draw between Sunderland and Leeds on Friday night.