TWO contentious penalty decisions led to Burnley slipping to a fourth straight league defeat, against rivals Preston North End at Deepdale.

After a goalless first half, in which the Clarets had the best chance to break the deadlock only for Chris McCann to clear the bar from close range, the home side took the lead on 53 minutes.

Stephen Elliott had looked to have over-run the ball when he went down under goalkeeper Brian Jensen's dive, but the referee pointed to the spot, and Callum Davidson found the bottom right corner.

Substitute Robbie Blake equalised in the 76th minute with a sublime free kick, following ex-Claret Richard Chaplow's foul on the striker.

But with his first kick after coming off the bench, Neil Mellor put Preston back in front from the spot, after Steven Caldwell was harshly penalised for handball.