Zian Flemming's diving header is his fourth goal of the season for Burnley
Blackburn Rovers' 15-year wait for a win over Lancashire rivals Burnley will go on as Zian Flemming's diving header gave the Clarets all three points in an ultimately disappointing derby at Ewood Park.
The Dutchman's fourth goal of the season stretches Burnley's unbeaten league run to 13 games and consolidates their second place in the Championship table.
Neither side managed a shot on target in a tepid first period with Rovers' Amario Cozier-Duberry seeing one effort deflected over and another, which was heading wide, saved by James Trafford.
Burnley came out with more intent at the start of the second half and got themselves in front on the hour as Flemming's powerful diving header from Bashir Humphreys' cross beat Aynsley Pears in the Blackburn goal.
The goal brought the home side to life, with visiting keeper Trafford dropping on a loose ball in the Burnley area after it had ricocheted around the six-yard box and Sondre Tronstad saw his 20-yard shot deflected wide of the target.
Jaidon Anthony almost added a second for the visitors but Pears did well to beat out his fierce drive before Rovers came agonisingly close to an equaliser when Lewis Baker flicked a header inches wide of the post.
It is now three defeats in a five-game winless run for Blackburn, with their play-off challenge stalling after a six-match winning streak.
For Burnley, it is a 17th clean sheet of the season as they now take a break from league action for an FA Cup tie against Reading next week before hosting promotion rivals Sunderland.
'We need a bit of help' - reaction
Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"I was very proud of the efforts of the boys - we went toe-to-toe with a very good team with a good squad of players.
"I was disappointed in the manner we conceded - we just switched off from a cross and it was their first effort on goal.
"We need a bit of help in the squad, we need to keep improving and get the players back from injury as quickly as possible."
Burnley boss Scott Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"It's satisfying and there's a bit of relief as well.
"From the minute we walked into the stadium it was a hostile place, an intense atmosphere and I'm delighted we were able to seal the three points.
"What this team have done defensively this year has been nothing short of sensational and I get it's not the most glamorous part of the game but I've been around long enough to know it's the bedrock and foundation of any team."
