The Clarets missed the chance to go third in the table with a game to go as they suffered a second defeat in three games.
And again, Tony Philliskirk’s youngsters let slip a two-goal lead as Queens Park Rangers struck three times after the break to take the points.
The Clarets had fought back themselves earlier on, with Will Harris (pictured above) scoring twice after the visitors had led from the penalty spot in the first half.
Ni-Jai Tucker then increased Burnley’s lead when he made 3-1 five minutes into the second half.
But for the third time in four games, the Clarets were unable to protect a two-goal advantage as the Hoops hit back to claim a late winner through Nathan Carlyle after the dismissal of defender Joel Connolly had left the hosts with 10 men.