SCOTT Arfield fired Burnley back to the top of the table in time for Christmas by securing a Lancashire derby win over Blackpool.

With QPR surrendering their unbeaten home record and first place in the Championship with defeat at home to Leicester earlier in the day, it left the door open for Clarets to go back to the summit a week after slipping to second.

And goals early in both the first and second half made for an even happier Christmas for the Clarets.

Top scorer Danny Ings struck his 17th for the club this season in the seventh minute through a training ground corner routine.

David Jones' low delivery was dummied by Michael Duff inside the box and struck low by Danny Ings through a sea of bodies from around 12 yards out, leaving Matt Gilks well beaten.

There were chances to Burnley to increase their lead in a bright start, but Craig Cathcart bundled over from a Thomas Ince corner to equalise.

Both keepers had to make saves before the break, with Tom Heaton superbly clawing out to stop a certain Dan Gosling goal.

Gilks went on to save well from Ings' stooping header.

But the stopper was rooted when Arfield fashioned a goal from nothing, curling right footed over the keeper for his fifth of the season, and arguably his best.

The Scot hit the angle with a cross shot from similar territory soon after.

Dan Gosling went close at the end of a solo run, but Burnley were otherwise in control.

Ings was denied at the death after Dean Marney burst clear and laid the ball off for the unmarked striker.

But referee Roger East blew within seconds to confirm a Clarets win.