‘Cheap goals’ – QPR boss Neil Critchley makes Millwall admission after defeat
QPR boss Neil Critchley said his side gave away ‘cheap goals’ to Millwall in their 2-1 defeat to Gary Rowett’s side at Loftus Road on Saturday.
Duncan Watmore opened the scoring for the Lions in the 31st minute after Zian Flemming danced his way beyond the Hoops defence and set up the former Sunderland and Middlesbrough attacker just inside the area.
Oliver Burke capitalised on a mistake from the QPR defence to double Millwall’s lead in the 78th minute.
Chris Martin pulled one back on his debut for the west Londoners with eight minutes remaining, meeting Ilias Chair’s cross and heading beyond George Long.
But the South Londoners held on to secure all three points.
QPR have now only won once in their last 15 outings in all competitions.
“I felt that we were the better team in the first half,” said Critchley.
“Up until they scored their goal, arguably, we were the better team and created the better opportunities around the goal. We just didn’t test the goalkeeper.
“It’s typical of the moment that we’re in – they get one chance and score from it.
“It was a really poor goal from our point of view. It was a throw-in for us from the halfway line. We give the ball away, and they score.
“I have questioned the mentality of the players in recent defeats, but not today.
“I felt we more than contributed to a good derby game. It wasn’t a lack of effort today or application, we just conceded two really poor goals.
“If you do that against a team with the way Millwall play – which they are very good at – then the cheap goals that we have given them has a huge bearing on the outcome of the game.
“Our goal was a really quality goal – their goals aren’t. But there are different ways of scoring goals and winning football matches.
“Millwall found a way to win the game. That’s what we’re not doing at this moment in time.”
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