But in truth, it was a poor performance from both sides, as North End completed the seasonal double over Owen Coyle's Clarets.

On-loan Watford striker Tamas Priskin bent in a fifth minute opener for the home side, despite Burnley starting the brighter.

James O'Connor did score his third of the season with a shot from outside the area, but it took a mistake from Andy Lonergan in the Preston goal to allow the ball to creep over the line.

But Brown's effort turned out to be the difference, with Burnley given further problems in stoppage time as Clarke Carlisle was sent off for a wreckless challenge on Sean St Ledger.