QPR boss delighted that his side have defied critics
BY NICK KITUNO
Mark Warburton says critics did not give his side much of chance of taking points during their impressive run of form as Queens Park Rangers rose to see off Bournemouth.
Todd Kane’s late winner made it six wins in seven for the R’s, four of which have been in a row, and put them 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
It comes after they had gone on a run of nine without a win and flirted with the relegation zone. However, victories against Cardiff City, Watford, Blackburn Rovers and local rivals Brentford have seen QPR rise to 13th in the table.
Warburton praised his team’s performance against the Cherries, who are sixth in the Championship.
He said: “When you look at the quality of opposition [Bournemouth], that tells you everything about the performance. Look at their squad, look at their bench, they are a very, very talented team.
“We knew it was a tough test today but, again, the boys have stood up, they stuck to the game plan, they have worked hard, shown good quality in possession, and created chances against a very, very good team.
“They deserve so much credit.”
Stefan Johansen edged QPR ahead after 58 minutes when he pounced on Chris Mepham’s pass to Jefferson Lerma before slotting home past goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Sam Surridge, who had just come off the bench moments earlier, made an instant impact when he headed Junior Stanislas’ delivery back across goal for Shane Long to force home after 68 minutes.
QPR responded to the setback seven minutes from time when substitute Albert Adomah’s cross found the late arriving Todd Kane to fire in.
Warburton said the focus now is all on Preston away, adding: “As you say, Watford, Blackburn, Brentford, Bournemouth, I don’t think people would have given us much chance taking many points out of that run, so again the boys have done very, very well. Drawing away at Norwich starts a really good run.
“This division is ruthless, and the moment you start relaxing, it really does bite you on the bum. Excuse the term.
“You have to be focused on the next game and only the next game, so everything we do now is about Preston on Wednesday night.”
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