ANDREW Cole scored his first hat-trick in more than seven years to complete a dramatic comeback for Burnley at QPR.

Gavin Mahon and Patrick Agyemang, with his eighth goal in six games, had put the home side 2-0 up in the first half.

Cole scored his second goal in two games for Burnley following his loan move from Sunderland to give Owen Coyle's side hope before the break, before the former Manchester United striker and substitute Ade Akinbiyi struck after the interval to give the Clarets' play-off hopes a boost.

The in-form hosts went ahead after 14 minutes, Mahon heading home from close range after a neat move which culminated in Agyemang crossing for the former Watford midfielder.

And with half an hour gone Agyemang struck, Damien Delaney bursting down the right from his full-back position and leaving the Ghana forward to finish from 12 yards.

Cole then pulled one back five minutes before half-time when he turned home Gudjonsson's free-kick.

Coyle threw on striker Akinbiyi at half-time in place of Robbie Blake to try and find an equaliser.

After 56 minutes Cole grabbed his second, Akinbiyi whipping in a dangerous cross and the former England striker sent a crisp volley past Lee Camp from six yards.

Akinbiyi then punished the hosts for spurning a host of chances, Rangers defence failed to clear Wade Elliott's corner and Akinbiyi headed in from six yards with quarter of an hour remaining.

Cole then reacted quickest to Graham Alexander's 86th-minute free-kick to poke home from six yards and secure the match ball.