Charlie Austin scored before seeing red for Queens Park Rangers as they sealed a crucial 2-0 win against Burnley this afternoon at Loftus Road.
QPR made a bright start and Bobby Zamora was inches away from converting Joey Barton's early whipped cross.
© Getty Images
Rob Green then got his face in the way of a Scott Arfield effort to prevent a certain goal as the keeper reproduced his heroics from the Swansea City game in midweek.
Despite having the majority of possession, Burnley struggled to create many chances as the half went on. On the other hand, Barton enjoyed some freedom in the middle for QPR and fashioned some good opportunities for his teammates with some impressive passing.
The hosts had to remain alert, however, and George Boyd came close to putting Burnley in front with a drive from distance which hit the post.
Minutes later, QPR looked certain to edge ahead after Eduardo Vargas cut inside Ben Mee before firing a shot between Tom Heaton's legs, but Michael Keane was on the line to clear away.
Harry Redknapp's side didn't dwell on the missed chance and Leroy Fer gave QPR a perfect to the second half by looping the ball over Heaton and into the net after he was played in by Austin.
© Getty Images
Boyd should have equalised for Burnley after 64 minutes when the ball fell kindly to him just outside the box, but he fired high and wide of the bar.
Austin punished Burnley for their missed chances after getting onto the end of Mauricio Isla's cut-back to score, but the striker was shown a second yellow card just two minutes later after contesting for an aerial ball with Keane.
Despite their man advantage, Burnley could not find a way back into the game and QPR eventually secured the win to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Benjamin Topliss
