QPR boss booked for his protestations over Sheffield United’s late leveller
BY MOHAMUD AHMED
Ilias Chair’s deflected strike looked set to be enough to secure all three points for QPR against Sheffield United last night, only for John Egan to pop up with a leveller in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
The R’s nervy start to the game did not stop them from taking an early lead as Chair’s right-footed strike found the back of the net in the 11th minute after a deflection guided it past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
The Blades nearly gave an instant reply after Billy Sharp was slipped in down the left-hand side, but Seny Dieng pulled off a good stop to deny the Sheffield United striker.
The start of the second half saw Neil Critchley’s side quickly take control as Lyndon Dykes’ effort from outside the box came close to doubling the their lead – Egan stood firm to block the shot.
The Blades came close to equalising after a long ball by Oliver Norwood set up Billy Sharp one-v-one with goalkeeper Dieng, but his chipped effort went over the bar.
QPR were made to rue their missed chances as Egan’s left-footed shot deflected in to make it 1-1 in injury time.
QPR are 12th in the table.
Critchley could not his hide frustration at referee Josh Smith after he felt Enda Stevens, who assisted Egan’s late equaliser, fouled Kenneth Paal moments before the Blades scored.
He told the South London Press: “I understood the extra time but the guy behind [Enda Stevens] has pulled Kenneth’s arm and couldn’t head the ball properly and he has ended up on the floor.
“The fella knew Kenneth was going to head the ball so he has pulled him back subtly and the linesman [is] 20 yards away – there is no one in front of him – [but] they don’t give it and they score.
“It was the first time I have been booked in my life and I wasn’t too pleased about that. I did not say anything untoward to the referee. I don’t think he handled the situation very well.”
On the performance, Critchley was much more upbeat and said: “It only takes a moment like their equaliser, you are only a moment away from drawing the game.
“But we were excellent for long periods of the game against a quality team, it was a great response from the other night.
“We were on the front foot. We went toe to toe with them and I’m disappointed the players didn’t get the winning feeling I thought their performance merited tonight.”
QPR’s attention now turns to their FA Cup third round game at Fleetwood Town on Saturday.
PICTURES: ROB AVIS
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