Burnley climbed into the English Championship automatic promotion places on Tuesday after beating Oxford United 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 18 league games.

Scott Parker's side have struggled in attack and were grateful for an own goal from Oxford's Michal Helik in the first half.

The goal came in the 33rd minute when Lyle Foster spotted the run of Josh Cullen into the box and the midfielder's low cross was aimed at Zian Flemming but before it could reach him the unfortunate Helik turned it into his own net.

It was only Burnley's 37th goal in 31 league games this season. But they were worthy of the lead and the win as, eight days after failing to register a shot on target at home against Leeds, they created more than enough chances to have made the match much more comfortable.

Burnley, who had played out three consecutive goalless draws at home before Tuesday's game, have now kept nine straight clean sheets.

The win lifts the Clarets to second in the table, two points behind leaders Leeds and level with Sheffield United on 61 points, although both of their rivals have a game in hand.

In the other Championship match on Tuesday, veteran midfielder Jack Colback came off the bench to fire QPR to a 2-1 victory over Blackburn.

The 35-year-old thumped home his first goal in just over a year as Rangers got back to winning ways after two straight defeats.

Michael Frey had put Rangers ahead early but Rovers thought they had secured a point through Tyrhys Dolan's second-half penalty.

However, Colback's thunderbolt put a dent in Blackburn's play-off bid, although they remain fifth, while Rangers are now only three points off of the top six.