Latest: QPR 1 Stoke 2

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Peter Crouch’s goal against his former club left struggling QPR staring at another defeat.

They were were behind after Mame Biram Diouf’s close-range header and had lost Joey Barton after he appeared to aggravate a hamstring problem when Charlie Adam sliced the ball into his own net three minutes before the break.

But Stoke regained the lead when Crouch fired home early in the second half.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes was given a predictably hostile reception from the home supporters because of his ill-fated spell as Rangers boss.

The Welshman is faring much better at Stoke, however, and they went ahead in the 11th minute.

Mauricio Isla’s hesitation enabled Victor Moses to cross from the left and Crouch climbed above Rio Ferdinand to nod the ball down and give Diouf a simple finish.

Moses then had a low shot saved by Rob Green as the visitors continued to have the upper hand.

And Crouch missed a great chance when he shot wide after being teed up by Moses.

Barton went off in the 33rd minute having started the game after coming through a fitness test and although Niko Kranjcar went close from 30 yards, Rangers were struggling before their good fortune led to an equaliser.

Steven Caulker met Jordon Mutch’s corner with a firm header and as Crouch and Adam both attempted to clear off the line, the Scot was left red-faced.

But Stoke hit back six minutes after the break. Again Moses was the provider – and again Isla was at fault.

The Chilean lost possession deep in his own half and then allowed Moses to deliver a cross towards Crouch, who thumped past keeper Green.

Another error by Isla then presented Erik Pieters with a chance but he failed to take advantage and Rangers had another let-off when Steven N’Zonzi fired wide after being set up by Adam.

QPR: Green; Isla, Caulker, Ferdinand, Traore: Barton (Phillips 33); Mutch (Henry 50), Fer, Kranjcar; Vargas (Zamora 70), Austin.
Subs: McCarthy, Onuoha, Dunne, Hoilett.

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