Second-half latest: QPR 2 Birmingham City 0 – Rangers on course for victory

Tjaronn Chery’s well taken goal and Junior Hoilett’s penalty put QPR in a commanding position at Loftus Road.

Chery, recalled to the starting line-up by boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, struck 10 minutes before half-time – his sixth goal of the season and second in three matches.

James Perch pulled the ball back from the left and Chery showed great composure to steady himself and fire low into the far corner.

And Hoilett doubled the lead from the spot four minutes later after Sebastian Polter had been brought down by Michael Morrison.

Polter, preferred to Conor Washington up front, turned away from Paul Robinson and Morrison was arguably fortunate to escape with just a yellow card after bringing down the German as he was about to shoot.

Earlier, Chery’s deflected shot flashed narrowly wide and Birmingham’s David Cotterill fired wide after being picked out by Jacques Mahoma.

Cotterill and Mahoma were also involved in a determined start to the second half by Gary Rowett’s side, who have scored just two goals in their last four matches.

Following a goalmouth scramble, Congolese midfielder Mahoma saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Karl Henry.

And Cotterill brought a good save from R’s keeper Alex Smithies with a powerfully-struck free-kick.

But Birmingham were soon on the back foot again and Thomas Kuszczak prevented a third QPR goal by tipping over Massimo Luongo’s shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Gabriele Angella should have extended the hosts’ lead from the resulting corner by Chery but headed straight at the Blues keeper.