A second-half strike from Leroy Fer has guided Queens Park Rangers to a 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United in their Premier League clash this afternoon.
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The home side had the first opening of the match as Joey Barton picked up the ball in the middle of the park and advanced towards goal before firing at Tim Krul, but the keeper made a comfortable save.
Newcastle took the lead in the 24th minute when a long ball was pumped forward into the box and Riviere controlled and he guided the ball past Robert Green to net his first goal for the club.
The Magpies immediately pressed for a second as they won a free kick on the edge of the box. Ryan Taylor took the set piece, but he curled his effort just wide of the post.
QPR were forced to change their keeper when Green was clattered by his own teammate, which brought Alex McCarthy onto the pitch.
McCarthy was called into action just before the break to deny Fabricio Coloccini as the Argentine headed at goal from close range, but the keeper tipped his effort past the post.
After the break, the home side should have been level as Charlie Austin turned his man and lifted a cross to the back post for Matty Phillips. The winger was presented with an open goal, but he could not find the net as his effort was deflected behind by Jonas Gutierrez.
However, Phillips was not to be denied and minutes later he did find an equaliser for his team as Austin broke down the right and crossed for the winger to convert his header into the back of the net.
QPR took the lead in the 61st minute when Fer beat Taylor to a loose ball and then composed himself 25 yards out to unleash a powerful strike which sailed past the outstretched hand of Krul into the top corner.
The home side had the opportunity to take a two-goal lead when Fer raided down the right and hit a low cross into the path of Phillips, but he could only power his shot over the bar.
Newcastle searched for an equaliser in the final minutes and came so close as Papiss Cisse latched onto a cross at the back post and fired at goal. His effort looked to be heading into the net until Clint Hill diverted the ball behind for a corner.
The Magpies pressed for a leveller, but could not find a breakthrough as they fell to a defeat, leaving their Premier League future in the balance heading into the final match of the season.
Simon Sinclair
