QPR pay price for lack of quality as they can’t beat Swansea City

QPR were forced to settle for a point against 10-man Swansea City last night – with Mark Warburton admitting his side lacked quality in the final third.

The R’s were frustrated by the Swans on Tuesday evening, but stay fourth in the Championship.

Rangers unveiled new signing Dion Sanderson, on loan for the rest of the season from Wolverhampton Wanderers, before the match.

After a quiet opening 35 minutes, largely controlled by Swansea without really testing David Marshall in the QPR goal, the hosts had the first chance of the match.

Chris Willock’s inch-perfect delivery was met by the head of Charlie Austin but his header was superbly saved by Ben Hamer.

Marshall was called into action for the first time in the match five minutes into the second half. Joel Piroe’s snapshot appeared to be heading for the bottom corner but the Scotland international got down well to push it around the post.

QPR were very nearly masters of their own downfall when a short backpass was close to being pounced on by Flynn Downes, luckily Marshall got their first.

Just a minute later, a Cyrus Christie cross caused havoc in the R’s penalty area – Korey Smith’s strike was brilliantly charged down by Marshall.

Luke Amos nearly put QPR ahead just before the hour mark, when his dazzling run was nearly finished off, only to be stopped by the post, as a helpless Hamer watched on.

The Swans were next to come close to opening the scoring, when Joel Latibeaudiere’s effort went inches wide of the post with 12 minutes remaining.

Lyndon Dykes had a gilt-edged chance with the clock running down. Moses Odubajo found him but his strike was straight at the keeper from 12 yards out.

Swansea thought they had nicked it at the death when Michael Obafemi slotted in, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Downes was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time after a scuffle with Charlie Austin, who was shown a yellow card for the altercation.

QPR have won the most points with five minutes remaining in games – 10 – but couldn’t find the winner in this one and both teams earned a point.

Warburton said: “We lacked a bit of quality in the final third. We know we were not at our best.

“You’re obviously going to miss a player who plays nine times out of 10. Ilias [Chair] is normally in the team and with his goals and assists he’s a very talented boy.

“He’s been away but if you look at our run for the last eight or nine games, we’re not doing bad. I’m not ignoring it – we know we need attacking options.

“When you make a substitution you want to change it to change the dynamic and tempo of a game. We are targeting players. We know what we want and who we want to bring in.

“Who we want and getting it done are two entirely different things. I hope very much in the next two or three days that we see some movement.”

PICTURE: ROB AVIS