Goals from Gavin Mahon and Patrick Agyemang had given QPR a 2-0 lead before the half hour mark, and it looked as though the game was over.

But once Cole had diverted in Joey Gudjonsson's free kick five minutes before half-time, the game changed complexion completely.

Cole grabbed his second just before the hour after a one-two with Ade Akinbiyi, who had replaced Robbie Blake at half-time.

And the comeback was complete when Wade Elliott's corner was met by Steven Caldwell, and Akinbiyi turned in the loose ball.

QPR were shellshocked, and it was left to Cole to complete a memorable night in the dying embers of the game, as he fired home after a neat free kick from Graham Alexander.

CLOCKWATCH

6 mins: Good skill from Kyle Lafferty earns Burnley a corner, and after Robbie Blake's flag kick wins a second corner, the ball is cleared to safety.

12 mins: Andrew Cole is presented with a half chance following Robbie Blake's corner, but the ball bounces harmlessly through to Lee Camp.

14 mins: GOAL!! Good skill from Patrick Agyemang sees the former Preston man tee up Akoz Buzsaky, and his cross to the back post is headed in by Gavin Mahon. QPR 1-0 Burnley.

29 mins: GOAL!! A poor pass from James O'Connor sees him give the ball straight to Damian Delaney, and his slide pass for Patrick Agyemang sends the former Preston man clear, and he rounds Brian Jensen and slots the ball into an empty net. QPR 2-0 Burnley.

33 mins: Rowan Vine wastes a glorious chance to make it 3-0, missing an open net after Brian Jensen can only parry a long range effort from Zesh Rehman.

40 mins: GOAL!! Joey Gudjonsson's free kick flicks off Andrew Cole, and he diverts the ball past Lee Camp off the underside of the bar. QPR 2-1 Burnley.

Half-Time: QPR 2-1 Burnley.

52 mins: Hogan Ephraim tries his luck from outside the Burnley box, but Brian Jensen is equal to the shot and saves easily.

56 mins: GOAL!! Neat skill from Andrew Cole sees him feed Ade Akinbiyi, who takes the ball to the edge of the box before drilling the ball across for Cole to poke home the equaliser. QPR 2-2 Burnley.

60 mins: A corner from Akoz Buszaky finds its way to Rowan Vine, and his shot is saved well by Brian Jensen.

63 mins: Kyle Lafferty plays the ball inside to Wade Elliott, who hits a ferocious shot from outside the area, and despite it seemingly arcing into the top corner, the ball clips the outside of the post.

73 mins: Brian Jensen is called into action again, but again the shot is comfy for the Danish goakeeper, this time from Mikele Leigertwood.

76 mins: GOAL!! Steven Caldwell rises superbly to meet Wade Elliott's corner, and the ball makes its way to Ade Akinbiyi who fires past Lee Camp. QPR 2-3 Burnley.

86 mins: GOAL!! Graham Alexander's fantastically flighted free kick finds Andrew Cole, who thumps the ball home to complete a memorable hat-trick. QPR 2-4 Burnley.

Full-Time: QPR 2-4 Burnley.

QPR: Camp, Connolly (Mancienne 90), Rehman, Stewart, Delaney, Mahon, Rowlands (Leigertwood 38), Buzsaky, Ephraim (Blackstock 68), Vine, Agyemang.
Subs: Pickens (GK), Lee.

Burnley: Jensen, Alexander, Caldwell, Varga, Harley, Elliott, J. O'Connor (Spicer 90), Gudjonsson, Lafferty, Blake (Akinbiyi 46), Cole (Randall 90).
Subs: Kiraly (GK), Jordan.

Attendace: 13,410

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)