Late goal leaves QPR still without win under Hasselbaink

Blackburn Rovers 1 QPR 1

QPR once again let victory slip in the closing stages, so Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will have to wait longer for his first victory as boss.

Leroy Fer had given Rangers the lead midway through the first half when he applied the finish from Junior Hoilett’s right-wing cross.

Blackburn were reliant on set pieces to put pressure on the QPR defence and they finally broke through four minutes from time when Ben Marshall’s long throw was not cut out and Hope Akpan squeezed a header in at the far post.

It is the fifth league game in a row that Rangers have lost points in the final 10 minutes, squandering 10 points and leaving them 17th in the Championship after a winless eight-game run under Hasselbaink.

Having survived a couple of scares in the first half, QPR looked on course for victory when they went in front on 24 minutes.

The goal came after good work from Sebastian Polter as he sent Hoilett clear and the winger’s delivery beat Matt Phillips and Blackburn keeper Jason Steele before Fer applied the finishing touch.

Steele later saved bravely at the feet of Polter, while at the other end Joe Lumley – making his league debut in goal for Rangers – got behind a Marshall effort.

James Perch also had to clear off the line late in the first half, but chances were few and far between in the second period.

Alejandro Faurlin sent a free-kick wide while QPR had to stay resolute to keep out several Blackburn corners and long throws.

But on the one occasion they dealt with one poorly, they were punished by former Everton midfielder Akpan, who nodded in despite the presence of three defenders.