Clarke Carlisle's bullet header gave Burnley three vital points as Owen Coyle's side look set to consolidate a place in the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

Carlisle headed home a Robbie Blake corner at the beginning of the second half as the Clarets moved seven points clear of the pack hunting their final place in the top six.

Rangers had their moments in an entertaining match but ended a hectic week which saw manager Paulo Sousa axed after just 26 games marooned in mid-table.

Sousa's departure for "divulging highly confidential information" over striker Dexter Blackstock's move to Nottingham Forest meant that coach Gareth Ainsworth began his second spell as caretaker manager this season against a Burnley side starting their 54th game of a demanding campaign.

Burnley fans had more reason than normal to enjoy the 1-0 defeat handed out to neighbours and play-off rivals Preston this lunchtime and they started brightly with Wade Elliott having a shot after just seven seconds.

Jay Rodriguez then headed a Blake free-kick over in a high-paced start before Chris Eagles looked to have a decent penalty shout turned away after he was impeded in the area.

Coyle's side were in control but a quick break by the visitors almost led to the opening goal.

Hogan Ephraim carried the ball forward before playing the ball out to Wayne Routledge on the right. His deep cross evaded the entire Clarets defence and Rowan Vine looked certain to score at the far post but the imposing figure of goalkeeper Brian Jensen spread himself to block the striker's volley.

Both sides continued to look dangerous on every attack and it was veteran Graham Alexander who came closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time.

Alexander - who has played in every game this season - picked up a loose pass in midfield before breaking forward and unleashing a low shot from the edge of the area which forced Radek Cerny into a fingertip save.

The Clarets then came within inches of taking the lead just 45 seconds into the second half.

Blake was again the supplier of a superb delivery from a right-wing corner and Carlisle sent a powerful header past Cerny which rattled the post and was cleared to safety.

But in the 49th minute the hosts were ahead from an identical set-piece.

Blake floated the corner to the exact same spot and Carlisle again rose above his marker to thump a header past Cerny from eight yards with Eagles very close to providing the final touch from inside the six-yard box.

Coyle's side were in the mood for a second and Eagles twice should have done better after being played in by Elliott with his second effort forcing a desperate save from Cerny.

Carlisle then incredibly won another header from yet another Blake corner but his effort into the other corner was headed clear from under his own crossbar by Ephraim.

QPR then enjoyed their best spell of possession as they moved the ball neatly around in midfield but lacked any real bite in the final third and failed to call Jensen into serious action as Coyle's men held on for the win.

Teams

Burnley Jensen, Williams, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes,Elliott, Alexander, McCann, Blake (Gudjonsson 79),Eagles (McDonald 89), Rodriguez (Paterson 86).

Subs Not Used: Penny, Duff.

Booked: Kalvenes.

Goals: Carlisle 49.

QPR Cerny, Connolly, Gorkss, Ramage, Delaney, Routledge,Leigertwood, Ephraim (Lopez 71), Taarabt, Di Carmine (Cook 54),Vine (Alberti 84).

Subs Not Used: Mahon, Stewart.

Att: 15,058

Ref: Mark Haywood (W Yorkshire).