Blackburn Rovers vs. Burnley

Owen Coyle's men made the perfect start as Robbie Blake made a breakthrough for the visitors with an impressive goal inside three minutes of this crackling derby.

But David Dunn equalized just five minutes later followed by goals from Franco Di Santo, his first since joining on-loan from Chelsea, and Pascal Chimbonda before half time. They effectively sealed the points for the home team and ensured a fantastic victory over their rivals.

Despite substitute Chris Eagles consolation goal at the death, Burnley has now lost five successive games in the Premier League this season.

The two clubs had not met in the top flight for over four decades and this victory gave Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce an early birthday present as he turns 55 tomorrow.

Less than five minutes had passed, when Burnley got off to the best possible start with Blake sending a sensational right-footed strike from 25 yards beyond Paul Robinson that flew into the corner.

It did not take long for the home side to come up with an answer to the goal conceded, as local hero Dunn drilled one from the centre of the box, which found its way into the bottom corner leaving goalkeeper Brian Jensen with no chance.

Sam Allardyce's charges appeared to be charged up for this encounter, as they managed to come from behind to take the lead after 20 minutes. Blake gave away a free kick for a tackle on Lars Jacobsen. Dunn sent the ball in, and a poor clearance from the Clarets saw the ball fall to Di Santo, who had no problem heading the ball home from close range. However the way he celebrated in front of the visiting supporters did not go down well with referee Chris Foy and he was booked.

Blackburn extended their lead in the 43rd minute with a splendid goal by former Tottenham full-back Chimbonda. Keith Andrews picked out Pedersen on the left and he released Chimbonda. He got away from Steven Fletcher and cut into the area before finding the corner with his effort.

Burnley were anxious to get back in the game and Fletcher dragged a shot wide of the post in the 50th minute after linking up with David Nugent.

Play switched down the other end and the impressive Di Santo skipped away from Steven Caldwell, only for Tyrone Mears to clear for a corner.

The attacking intent was seen late on, as Eagles unleashed a fantastic low shot from the left, but Robinson produced a fingertip save to keep the scoreline unchanged. But the Burnley player triumphed in the next attack, as Eagles' left footed shot got past the 'keeper deep into stoppage time.

It was uptight defending from Rovers but the hosts somehow managed to hold on to the slender lead and emerged a winner in the 92nd Lancashire derby.