First goal changed the game, Hasselbaink admits

QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink admitted the course of the game at Brighton was changed by the home side’s first goal.

Rangers were the better team for much of the first half but Anthony Knockaert scored the all-important opener when he curled home a free-kick seconds before the interval.

Hasselbaink’s side conceded three more goals in the second half but the Dutchman felt the scoreline was harsh.

“We played a very good first half and it was never a 4-0 game,” he said.

“It’s disappointing, because we played so well in the first half. We were looking good.

“It was unfortunate that we had a goal against us in the last minute of the first half. The dynamics then changed.

“In the second half we should do better, but we played against a very good side.”

The result left Rangers 12th in the Championship table.