Burnley put the pressure back on Albion and Middlesbrough tonight in the three-way race for promotion from the Championship with a vital victory.

Joey Barton's early free-kick, which took a violent deflection off the defensive wall, gave the Clarets a precious 1-0 win in their Lancashire derby at Preston.

They are back on top of the table, a point above Middlesbrough and three clear of Albion who both have a game in hand.

Albion are at relegated Charlton tomorrow, while Boro entertain Ipswich.

Burnley are now unbeaten in 21 league matches, equalling Albion's sequence at the start of the season.

The Seagulls are in action twice before Burnley's final home fixture against Queens Park Rangers on May 2 (4.45pm).

The last home game at the Amex for Chris Hughton's side is also on May 2 against Derby (2.30pm).