1 min
QPR reached the Carabao Cup Second Round after edging past League Two side Leyton Orient on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road.
The visitors bossed the opening stages and were fully deserving of their 16th minute lead as centre-back Rob Dickie powered Faysal Bettache’s corner into the net.
However, Orient grew into the game and had chances to level before the break – Theo Archibald looking the liveliest, delivering a number of teasing balls into the box that just evaded the O’s front line.
The second period saw Orient continue where they left off and eventually the pressure told when Aaron Drinan turned home Tom James’ long throw in the 74th minute.
The O’s could have taken the lead moments later when first Ruel Sotiriou hit one straight down Jordan Archer’s throat, before Omar Beckles grazed the bar with his follow-up.
That proved to be the final chance of note for either side as the tie headed to a penalty shootout.
And it was Sotiriou’s missed spot-kick that proved vital as Albert Adomah crashed home the winning penalty for the visitors.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Ruel Sotiriou missed opportunity to make it 2-1 to Orient minutes after their equaliser proved decisive.
Moan of the Match
Leyton Orient could have won the tie were it not for some poorly timed runs as Kenny Jackett’s side were caught offside far too many times during the match.
Talking Point
Is Kenny Jackett beginning to work his magic? Despite the defeat, the display marked an improvement from much of what had been seen at Brisbane Road last season.
Man of the Match
Aaron Drinan – the O’s forward was unrelenting in his pressing from the front and grabbed himself a deserved goal midway through the second-half.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Craig Hicks (Surrey) – a solid evening’s work, exemplary decision-making and pulled his cards out at all the right times.
Atmosphere
Fantastic to have fans back at Brisbane Road for the first time this season with both sets of supporters doing their respective clubs’ proud.
Verdict
QPR will be delighted to have scraped through a proper cup tie with a much-changed starting XI while Orient will be satisfied with a strong performance against Championship opponents.
