QPR beaten by injury-time goal at Charlton

By

Charlton 1 QPR 0

Johnnie Jackson’s injury-time header condemned QPR to a third consecutive defeat as their promotion bid suffered another setback.

Boss Harry Redknapp, without the suspended Joey Barton, made major changes in response to recent back-to-back losses, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto among those left out as Rangers reverted to a three-man defence.

There was a debut for loan signing Ravel Morrison, who volleyed over in the first half, while Nedum Onuoha, Tom Carroll and Jermaine Jenas were among those given starting places.

It was a radical attempt by Redknapp to freshen things up, but his new-look team failed to register a meaningful shot on target in the first half and were fortunate not to go behind.

They had a lucky escape when Jordan Cousins’ effort hit Rob Green’s left-hand post and the loose ball fell to Reza Ghoochannejhad, whose shot from near the edge of the box struck the other post.

It was a similar story after the break and with Rangers unable to create a clear-cut chance, they were presented with one when Addicks keeper Yohann Thuram gave the ball straight to substitute Modibo Maiga.

But the on-loan West Ham striker was unable to get the ball under control, summing up another disappointing afternoon for Redknapp’s side, who now trail second-placed Burnley by seven points.

And in injury time, Morrison was unable to react quickly enough to convert from close range following Armand Traore’s low cross.

When keeper Green then dived to his left to push away Astrit Ajdarevic’s powerful drive, he seemed to have spared his team another defeat.

But QPR switched off at the resulting corner and Jackson netted at the far post.

QPR (3-4-2-1): Green; Onuoha, Dunne, Hill; Hughes, Carroll (Benayoun 81), Jenas, Traore; Hoilett (Keane 59), Morrison; Doyle (Maiga 70).
Subs not used: Murphy, Suk-Young, Henry, O’Neil.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook