1 min
QPR and Millwall played out a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the Championship season as fans returned to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Millwall nearly got their campaign off to the perfect start when Scott Malone’s floating cross drifted onto the crossbar in the first minute of the game.
However, the Lions were in front ten minutes later as the ball broke to Jed Wallace who fired home from the edge of the penalty box.
The lead lasted only 20 minutes though as QPR’s Rob Dickie levelled from 30 yards out with a rocket Millwall keeper Bartosz Bialkowski could do nothing about.
Charlie Austin could then have given the Hoops the lead minutes later with a 25 yard effort Bialkowski was equal to.
And there was no respite for the Millwall keeper after the break as Chris Willock forced him into a fingertip save on 55 minutes.
Both sides had chances to steal a win late on, Millwall substitute Matt Smith heading over while a diving Shaun Hutchinson block denied QPR at the other end.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Rob Dickie’s rocket of an equaliser shook off a cobweb-ridden QPR in the opening 45 minutes.
Moan of the Match
Millwall struggled to pull themselves back into the game following QPR’s equaliser after a roaring first half-hour.
Talking Point
Debutant Moses Odubajo looked impressive driving forward for QPR – could he be the key for a QPR Play-Off push this season?
Man of the Match
Chris Willock – the QPR midfielder had so much of the ball he appeared to be playing in three positions.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Oliver Langford (West Midlands) – the man in the middle faced a tough day at the office with arguments breaking out in both halves and numerous hard tackles.
Atmosphere
The return of Championship football and fans was slightly dampened when Millwall fans booed QPR players taking the knee ahead of the game.
Verdict
Both teams looked rusty to start with but the return of fans was a massive boost not just for the game but the entire 2021/22 season.
