Rangers draw with Palace in turgid derby

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QPR 0 Crystal Palace 0

QPR were unable to continue their winning run at home as both teams struggled to create chances in a thoroughly forgettable derby.

The closest Rangers came to a goal was when Steven Caulker’s header from Joey Barton’s 74th-minute corner was cleared off the line by James McArthur.

Crystal Palace, with Keith Millen in caretaker charge following the sacking of former QPR boss Neil Warnock, went close when Jason Puncheon fired against the post in the first half.

Leroy Fer was twice unlucky after the break. The midfielder volleyed narrowly wide and saw another rasping effort tipped over by Palace keeper Julian Speroni.

Rangers had, crucially, managed to win their previous three games at Loftus Road, but they looked jaded against an Eagles side that defended well and were dangerous on the break.

And the visitors almost nicked a winner in injury time.

Rob Green dived low to his right to deny Puncheon at point-blank range and Fraizer Campbell wanted a penalty after going under a challenge from Barton as he attempted to force home the loose ball.

QPR (4-4-2): Green; Isla, Dunne, Caulker, Hill; Hoilett, Henry, Barton, Fer (Vargas 65); Zamora (Phillips 75), Austin.
Subs not used: McCarthy, Ferdinand, Wright-Phillips, Onuoha, Mutch.

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