STEVEN Caldwell was sent off as play-off chasing Burnley fell to a second successive defeat in their Championship clash at Doncaster.

The fourth-placed Clarets fell to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Barnsley on Boxing Day and they suffered the same fate at second bottom Doncaster this afternoon.

Two horrendous defensive errors gifted Doncaster a 2-0 lead at the break.

Although the home side created chances, the Clarets had controlled much of the first 35 minutes.

But mistakes by Stephen Jordan and Clarke Carlisle created an opening for James Coppinger to open Doncaster's account on 37 minutes.

Brian Stock then added the second from a penalty that he was made to take twice three minutes later, after Caldwell was shown a straight red card after dragging Richie Wellens back inside the area.

Robbie Blake had gone the closest for Burnley before the deadlock was broken, but his 25 yard free kick crashed off the bar, after Carlisle's header from a corner had been saved by Neil Sullivan.

Martin Paterson notched his 14th goal of the season to halve the deficit in the 62nd minute but Doncaster, who also drew at Turf Moor last month, held on for victory.

Burnley: Brian Jensen, Michael Duff, Clarke Carlisle, Steven Caldwell, Stephen Jordan, Wade Elliott, Graham Alexander, Chris McCann (Joey Gudjonsson 69), Chris Eagles, Martin Paterson, Robbie Blake (Steven Thompson 76). Subs not used: Diego Penny, Alan Mahon, Alex MacDonald.

Doncaster: Neil Sullivan, James O'Connor, Matt Mills, Sam Hird, James Chambers, Brian Stock, Richie Wellens (Gareth Roberts 88), Martin Woods, John Spicer (Gareth Taylor 82), James Coppinger, Paul Heffernan (Adam Lockwood 90). Subs not used: Lewis Guy, Mark Wilson.

Referee: Trevor Kettle.

Attendance: 14,020.