First QPR goal angers Derby County boss

Derby boss Darren Wassall criticised his team’s defending in the build up to the all-important first goal in their 2-0 defeat at QPR. 

Rangers Alex Smithies’ throw led to James Perch crossing for Tjaronn Chery to volley home after 24 minutes, and Gabriele Angella buried Matt Phillips’ free-kick at the far post with four minutes remaining.

“I’ve been in charge for six games and we’ve won three and lost three, so anybody can see we need more consistency,” Wassall said.

“It’s something we have to address. There are 10 games to go this season and we have to put it right.

“We’ve missed an opportunity to get at least a point. It’s bitterly disappointing. We’re taking two steps forward and one back.

“It was a good start and there wasn’t anything in the game. I was pleased with that, but very unhappy about the first goal.

“We switched off for five seconds with the keeper’s throw and 10 seconds later the ball is in the back of our net.

“The first goal is especially vital and up until then we were comfortable. We didn’t make them work for the goal.

“I’m also disappointed with our reaction after the goal. The last 25 minutes of the first half were not good enough. We were pleased to come in at half-time only 1-0 down.

“We were much better in the second half and we were very unlucky not to get an equaliser.”