Polter strikes to rescue a point for QPR

Burton 1 QPR 1

Sebastian Polter’s 70th-minute equaliser rescued a point for QPR.

The German, on as a substitute, applied the finish after being found by Massimo Luongo’s left-wing delivery – Rangers’ first league goal from open play this season.

Burton had gone ahead 11 minutes earlier when Lloyd Dyer’s shot was deflected towards Jamie Ward, who headed in from close range.

Rangers, who have won just one of their last eight league matches, were forced to make a number of changes because of injuries and illness.

And there was concern for Jake Bidwell when the left-back was taken off on a stretcher 10 minutes from the end with what appeared to be a shoulder injury after he landed heavily following a challenge.

With Idrissa Sylla ruled out because of illness and Polter not fit enough to start after picking up an ankle knock against Birmingham on Saturday, Conor Washington was again asked to operate as a lone striker.

Rangers were also without Jordan Cousins, who failed to overcome a hamstring problem, and Yeni Ngbakoto is still unavailable.

With Tjaronn Chery and Pawel Wszolek supporting Washington from wide areas, Rangers were on the front foot for much of the first half against boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side.

Washington and Chery were both crowded out by the Burton defence following good work by Luongo, who had an excellent game.

Polish winger Wszolek was denied by keeper Jon McLaughlin after being found by Washington’s ball into the box.

At the other end, R’s keeper Alex Smithies did well to tip away a free-kick from Ward.

And McLaughlin produced an even better save to keep out a free-kick from Chery.

Ward’s second-half goal left Rangers facing the prospect of another demoralising defeat – but Polter made all the difference after coming on.

After hauling his team level, he headed wide from Chery’s cross and Rangers appealed in vain for a penalty when Polter went down under a challenge in the box.