QPR unable to find a way past stubborn Preston

QPR 0 Preston 0

QPR showed signs of improvement under Neil Warnock but were unable to find a way past a Preston side that has now kept six consecutive clean sheets.

Rangers started well but ran out of steam and have now won only two of their last 11 matches.

Charlie Austin and the recalled Sandro had their best efforts on goal in a first half they largely dominated.

Sandro fired over after creating space for himself with a cheeky piece of skill to get away from Daniel Johnson.

And Austin shot wide of the near post after exchanging passes with Junior Hoilett, who was given a starting place by Warnock – one of a number of changes made by the interim boss.

Former Rangers manager Warnock, back at the helm following this week’s sacking of Chris Ramsey, also restored Leroy Fer to the side and moved Karl Henry to right-back in place of the suspended James Perch.

Preston threatened in the final minutes of the first half and Joe Garner volleyed over after sneaking behind Henry to meet Paul Gallagher’s cross.

The visitors also had a sight of goal soon after the break when Grant Hall’s weak clearing header fell to Adam Reach, who sliced wide.

Having been energetic and passed the ball nicely in the first half, Rangers found the going far tougher in the second as Preston allowed them much less time on the ball.

Warnock responded by sending on another forward in Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, but his team still struggled to create clear-cut chances.

In fact North End might have snatched a late winner had Rob Green not produced a fine save late on.

The Rangers keeper showed excellent reflexes to keep out Bailey Wright’s glancing near-post header from Gallagher’s corner.