Beale’s QPR reign begins with defeat
A stunning first-half strike from Lewis Travis saw QPR kick off the Mick Beale era with a defeat.
Rovers skipper Travis put his side in front with their meaningful attack when he smashed the ball into the top-left corner from 35 yards after Rangers had cleared a corner nine minutes before half-time.
Rangers controlled possession for most of the first period and almost took the lead after 20 minutes when Osman Kakay’s fierce shot from distance clipped the crossbar.
Despite dominating with the ball, Rangers failed to create any chances of note before the break with Seny Dieng needing to be alert just before the interval to tip over Ben Brererton Diaz’s firm effort.
Ilias Chair should have put Rangers on level terms straight after the restart when Thomas Kaminski gave the ball straight to him, but neither side fashioned much more in the way of chances.
Sinclair Armstrong had a glorious opportunity to mark his debut with a goal after coming on as a substitute, but he miscontrolled Kakay’s cross and the chance went begging.
QPR: Dieng, Kakay, Dickie, Clarke-Salter, Paal, Dozzell (Thomas 64), Field, Johansen (Richards 75), Shodipo (Adomah 64), Chair (Bonne 75), Dykes (Armstrong 75).
Subs not used: Walsh, Dunne
