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QPR snatched a 90th minute winner to take all three points in a thrilling 3-2 win over Cardiff City at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
The Hoops took a deserved lead in the 15th minute, with Albert Adomah crossing into the path of Ilias Chair, who acrobatically volleyed a strike into the ground and over Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies.
And they doubled their lead just before the half hour mark – Ilias Chair flicking the ball over Cardiff’s Will Vaulks before crossing to find Todd Kane, who fired home from just outside the box.
However, Cardiff halved the deficit immediately after the interval after Yoann Barbet mistimed a challenge on Kieffer Moore with Joe Ralls stepping up to score the resultant penalty.
The visitors continued to dominate for much of the second period and were duly rewarded in the 85th minute when Ralls once again converted from the spot after Connor Masterson was found guilty of handball.
QPR looked consigned to settle for a point before substitute Dominic Ball unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the net with Smithies only able to stand and watch.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Dominic Ball’s ridiculously brilliant stoppage time strike claimed a win which had seemed to be lost.
Moan of the Match
Not many forwards are as commanding as Lyndon Dykes in the box, but frustratingly the forward received little or no service into him all afternoon.
Talking Point
A first win for QPR since mid-September, just as murmurings over Mark Warburton’s future began to be heard – will this victory spur them on now?
Man of the Match
Ilias Chair – a sensational first-half performance that included a goal and smart play to set up the second.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire) – solid performance that didn’t disgruntle either set of players, and also did well to spot both penalties.
Atmosphere
Artificial crowd noise blaring in an empty Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium whilst the home side played in a red and white kit – in other words, unique.
Verdict
QPR will be relieved to have ended their four game goal drought and month long winless run, but will nevertheless have to address the defensive frailties that almost cost them.
