QPR win but see Faurlin stretchered off

QPR 2 Derby 1

Jake Buxton’s 63rd-minute own goal meant Derby County manager Steve McClaren made an unhappy return to Loftus Road.

McClaren, who recently left his coaching role at QPR to take over as Rams boss, saw his side level through Simon Dawkins after Jermaine Jenas’ early tap-in.

But Buxton, under pressure from Jenas and Clint Hill at the far post, appeared to get the final touch to Alejandro Faurlin’s right-wing free-kick, condemning Derby to their first defeat since McClaren’s appointment.

It was also promotion-chasing Rangers’ first win in four matches and first victory against a top-nine team this term.

However, their afternoon took a worrying turn for the worse when fans favourite Faurlin, who suffered a long-term knee injury the season before last, was stretchered off with 15 minutes left.

QPR went ahead after some good work on the right by summer signing Matt Phillips, who later hit the woodwork.

The winger has struggled for fitness and form since his move to west London from Blackpool, but produced a fine display and set up Rangers’ 11th-minute opener with an excellent cross.

Phillips found Charlie Austin and after the striker’s close-range effort was kept out by keeper Lee Grant, Jenas had the simple task of scoring into an unguarded net.

But the visitors hit back on 23 minutes when Dawkins volleyed in after Jamie Ward’s free-kick had been headed down by Buxton.

It was Dawkins’ first goal for Derby since McClaren signed him on loan from Tottenham and it angered the hosts, who felt Buxton committed a foul as he climbed between Austin and R’s defender Richard Dunne.

Austin headed wide from Faurlin’s corner and Junior Hoilett fired over as Rangers looked to regain the lead, but Derby remained a threat and almost scored again early in the second half.

Dawkins robbed Danny Simpson near the edge of the penalty area and teed up Ward whose shot was parried by keeper Rob Green, with Chris Martin unable to force home the rebound from an awkward angle.

Having caused problems on the break and defended well for long periods, Derby found themselves behind again following Faurlin’s wicked delivery.

And Phillips almost added a brilliant third, cutting in from the right and evading two challenges before sending a rasping shot against the underside of the bar.

Green produced a fingertip save to keep out Ward’s injury-time free-kick and ensure the R’s held on for a deserved three points.

But they will be anxiously waiting for news on Faurlin, who was unable to continue after a challenge on John Eustace near the halfway line.

QPR (4-4-1-1): Green; Simpson, Dunne, Hill; Assou-Ekotto; Barton, Faurlin (Henry 76); Phillips, Jenas, Hoilett (Traore 80); Austin.
Subs not used: Murphy, Johnson, Wright-Phillips, Onyewu, Chevanton.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook