Promotion contenders Burnley maintained their excellent start by moving up to second in the Championship with victory over Plymouth Argyle.

In a battle between two former England internationals, it was Scott Parker's Clarets who came out on top against Wayne Rooney's Pilgrims.

Burnley's fine early season form following relegation from the Premier League last term has seen them lose only one of their opening eight games.

The hosts grabbed what proved to be the winning goal on 26 minutes when Josh Cullen was brought down in the box by Darko Gyabi's lazy challenge, allowing Josh Brownhill to convert his fourth goal of a fruitful campaign from the penalty spot.

Jaidon Anthony's low drive and rasping effort from outside the area were both pushed away by Argyle goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw in each half, while at the other end, Rami Al Hajj was unable to trouble James Trafford with a strike from the edge of the area.

Plymouth were searching for a way back into the contest and their best opportunity fell Morgan Whittaker's way, but the Englishman curled his first-time strike narrowly over as the visiting fans braved the long trip back home without seeing a shot on target.

On a night when former manager Vincent Kompany was preparing to lead Bayern Munich in the Champions League, his old side Burnley were in action in the second tier after relegation under the Belgian last season.

Kompany’s team thrilled their way to promotion two seasons ago by amassing 101 points and though Parker’s men may well bounce back at the first attempt, it will be achieved in a much more controlled manner, with their last three wins now coming by a one-goal margin.

Burnley’s possession-based approach saw them manage more shots than their opponents, but they were unable to kill them off and Brownhill’s first-half penalty ultimately edged them to victory.

Lively winger Luca Koleosho looked the most dangerous outlet for Burnley and should have done much better when he blazed a side-footed effort over the crossbar from 10 yards out.

South Africa international Lyle Foster ran through and beat Grimshaw to the ball but poked wide, while Brownhill could not add to his tally after smashing over from outside the box.

Argyle boss Rooney was in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday, witnessing his former club Manchester United crumbling to a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham, and though his was not a similar horror show from his current side, he will be left disappointed at not working home goalkeeper Trafford.

Ryan Hardie drilled wide from range in the first half and they were given hope when Burnley became somewhat complacent in the second period, but Plymouth were unable to capitalise, as substitute Mustapha Bundu fired wide late on.

Burnley head coach Scott Parker: "It probably should have [been more comfortable]. We were exceptional in the first half and arguably the best 45 minutes we have played. The structure and players understanding where the ball needs to move. If we come in at half-time 2-0 or 3-0 up, we would be worthy of that.

"The most pleasing thing is we still have loads to improve and we are nudging away and getting results. We have done remarkably well with a young team that is developing and I am delighted with the group.

"It is a fresh team that has been together for five weeks. We had to reset and restart again. I have been around this division many a time. I am not going to be embarrassed saying we needed to fight and be resilient and get out with the three points.”

Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney: "Obviously I'm disappointed with the loss. We know Burnley are good team with good attacking players and we felt being organised in shape then trying to stop the ball getting to their midfield runners was the way to go. We lacked a bit of energy in the first half and that has cost us the game.

"It looked like a penalty so I understand the referee giving it. It was clever play from the Burnley player, so it is one where as an attacking player you use your nous and con the referee a little bit. A little bit harsh but the referee gave it.

"You come away from home, you want to try and restrict Burnley and we did that, they did not have many clear cut chances. A lot of positives and we are showing we can compete with any team in this league."