QPR denied by last-gasp Millwall equaliser

Millwall 2 QPR 2

Substitute Jermaine Easter’s injury-time equaliser denied QPR victory in the derby at The Den.

Charlie Austin’s second-half goal looked to have given Harry Redknapp’s side all three points, but Easter fired in off the post in the dying seconds.

Niko Kranjcar’s controversial opener – his first goal for Rangers – put them ahead before Scott McDonald levelled for Millwall following a rare mistake by Richard Dunne.

In-form striker Austin restored the lead on 69 minutes when he latched onto Kranjcar’s lovely pass and swept the ball beyond keeper David Forde.

However, Easter finished well after riding two challenges and the R’s had to settle for a point.

Kranjcar’s 26th-minute goal came just after Millwall were denied what seemed a clear penalty, leaving the home fans incensed.

After Austin bundled Liam Trotter over in the area, Rangers broke to the other end of the pitch and Barton teed up Kranjcar, who smashed home from the edge of the box.

Kranjcar had earlier gone close to scoring with a stunning 30-yard volley that hit the post.

Having gone ahead, Rangers seemed in complete control, although Trotter missed a chance to equalise late in the first half when he headed wide from McDonald’s cross.

But Trotter atoned six minutes after the interval by pouncing on Dunne’s error and pulling the ball back for McDonald to fire past Rob Green.

It ended Rangers’ hopes of a ninth consecutive clean sheet and was the first goal they have conceded with summer signing Dunne in the team.

They hit back with Austin’s sixth goal in as many games and Forde produced a crucial save to deny Junior Hoilett before Easter struck.

QPR (4-4-1-1): Green; Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Assou-Ekotto; O’Neil (Jenas 87), Barton, Henry, Hoilett (Phillips 84); Kranjcar (Faurlin 71); Austin.
Subs not used: Murphy, Traore, Chevanton, Ehmer.

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