Sloppy QPR punished in draw with Reading – but climb to fourth

QPR 2 Reading 2

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QPR’s defensive shortcomings cost them a win which would have put them second in the Championship.

Nahki Wells put them ahead just before the half-hour mark but Geoge Puscas equalised just over a minute later.

Rangers were not at their best but battled on and were rewarded with Jordan Hugill’s fortuitous goal 13 minutes into the second half.

Goalkeeper Liam Kelly launched the ball forward and Hugill headed on to Wells, who in turn cushioned a header back into the path of the on-loan West Ham striker.

Hugill’s shot struck Reading defender Liam Moore, wrongfooting keeper Rafael Cabral.

That appeared to set Mark Warburton’s side up for a third consecutive victory, but they switched off at the back again and Sam Baldock helped himself to a tap-in.

Hugill’s goal was seventh goal of the season, while Wells’ opener took his tally to eight.

Wells fired home from near the edge of the penalty area after collecting Ebere Eze’s pass.

However, while Rangers’ attacking players continue to deliver – and the point took them up a place to fourth – their limitations at the other end of the pitch remain evident.

They were sliced open by Oviemuno Ejaria’s ball forward for the first equaliser.

It released Puscas, who sprinted away from Toni Leistner and steered his shot beyond Kelly and in off the far post.

And woeful QPR defending gifted Reading a second equaliser with 16 minutes remaining.

John Swift crossed from the left and Andy Yiadom’s header back across goal was allowed to drop to Baldock, who netted from close range.