Latest: Newcastle 0 QPR 0 – Green keeps Rangers level

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QPR’s defence withstood sustained pressure from Newcastle in the first 20 minutes at St. James’ Park.

Rangers were almost embarrassed early on when Steven Caulker, under pressure from Jack Colback, played a short backpass and Rob Green’s clearance cannoned off the Newcastle midfielder and dropped wide of the post.

Harry Redknapp’s side worked overtime to get in blocks and headed clearances as Newcastle took the upper hand.

Remy Cabella was the first to test Green, with a low shot from 15 yards that the QPR keeper fielded comfortably.

Rangers’ first flash of inspiration came from Charlie Austin, when he dispossessed Paul Dummett and then fired an angled shot across goal.

Ryan Taylor almost marked his first Premier League start since March 2012 with a goal when he was picked out unmarked on the edge of the box by Cabella’s corner, but Green tipped his effort over the bar.

Cabella and Taylor combined again a few minutes later after Ayoze Perez had launched a swift counter-attack, and once again Green saved Taylor’s shot.

QPR made two changes from the draw with Manchester City. Nedum Onuoha and former Newcastle man Joey Barton came into the side, with Mauricio Isla on the bench after his international exertions and Eduardo Vargas missing following the birth of his baby daughter.

Newcastle: Krul; Janmaat, Williamson, Dummett, Haidara; R.Taylor, Sissoko Colback; Cabella, Perez, Ameobi.
Subs: Elliot, Streete, Anita, Gouffran, Armstrong, Ferreyra, Cisse.

QPR: Green, Onuoha, Caulker, Dunne, Yun, Barton, Henry, Sandro, Fer, Zamora, Austin.
Subs: McCarthy, Traore, Phillips, Isla, Mutch, Kranjcar, Hoilett.

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