QPR hit post twice in defeat at Cardiff

Cardiff 3 QPR 0

QPR conceded goals against the run of play and hit the post twice on a miserable night for them in Wales.

Rangers, without a clean sheet this season, conceded an early goal at the Cardiff City Stadium, where Sean Morrison opened the scoring before Marlon Pack and Callum Patterson also netted.

Keeper Joe Lumley was dropped in favour of Liam Kelly, who found himself picking the ball out of his net 11 minutes into his Championship debut.

Morrison headed home from six yards out after Lee Tomlin’s free-kick had been nodded down by Aden Flint.

The visitors had made a lively start and former R’s keeper Alex Smithies saved at his near post to deny the recalled Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Rangers continued to press after going behind and Angel Rangel – also recalled to the side – was just unable to make contact with Ryan Manning’s cross.

And they were desperately unlucky not to equalise nine minutes before the interval when Ebere Eze beautifully made room for a shot near the edge of the penalty area and curled a right-footed effort against the woodwork.

Having had a lucky escape, the Bluebirds went further in front via a corner routine seconds before the interval.

Gavin Whyte drove the ball into the area and an unmarked Pack netted from close range.

Rangers were unlucky again on the hour mark when Manning fired against the post after being set up Eze. Josh Scowen directed his follow-up wide of the target.

Had that gone in there might have been a way back for Mark Warburton’s side, whose hopes were well and truly ended by Patterson’s volley.