Half-time: QPR 0 Huddersfield 0

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Andy Johnson almost put QPR ahead and they hit the woodwork twice, while Huddersfield missed excellent chances to score during an end-to-end first half at Loftus Road.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp made a major tactical change, pairing strikers Charlie Austin and Johnson, whose header from Niko Kranjcar’s left-wing corner was cleared off the line by Adam Hammill.

Without the injured Joey Barton, Redknapp opted for a ‘diamond’ midfield, with Karl Henry in front of the back four and Kranjcar supporting the two strikers.

Rangers struggled early on and Daniel Ward fired over after being found by Adam Clayton, and then squandered a golden opportunity by dragging a shot wide having been set up by Oliver Norwood.

Huddersfield continued to cause problems and keeper Rob Green uncomfortably pushed over Norwood’s free-kick before saving Nahki Wells’ header.

And Rangers had another lucky escape when the unmarked Jonathan Hogg shot tamely at Green despite having plenty of time and space after collecting Ward’s pass.

The home side have struggled but have at least been able to rely on Kranjcar’s set-piece deliveries, and another corner from the Croatian led to first Austin and then Henry heading against the bar.

QPR: Green, Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Assou-Ekotto, O’Neil, Henry, Carroll, Kranjcar, Austin, Johnson.
Subs: Murphy; Onuoha, Traore, Diakite, Phillips, Zamora, Wright-Phillips.

 

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