Queens Park Rangers have dropped to fourth in the Championship after a 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.
The hosts started the game brightly and were seeing most of the ball in the opening few minutes. The first real opening came after seven minutes when Jordan Rhodes was picked out at the far post by Craig Conway, but he tamely put his header wide.
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Just two minutes later, however, and Blackburn's early dominance paid off. Gestede was found just outside the box and he took a touch to steady himself before rifling a shot into the bottom corner past Robert Green.
The goal seemed to spur QPR into action and on the 15-minute mark they had their first attempt on goal when Ravel Morrison drove forward from midfield before shooting over the bar.
QPR were by now on top of the game and Morrison came much closer with 10 minutes of the half to play with a powerful volley that was just too close to Paul Robinson, who was able to keep it out to preserve Blackburn's half-time lead.
The break came at the perfect time for Blackburn and Gary Bowyer's talk worked wonders. Just four minutes into the second period Blackburn doubled their lead, with Tommy Spurr collecting a pass from the left to drive into the box and finish low.
Blackburn were now oozing confidence and Conway tried his luck from just outside the box with a curling effort, but Green dived across to make a good save.
With just over 20 minutes to play QPR came within inches of pulling a goal back. Junior Hoilett sent Will Keane away with a through-ball, but the on-loan Manchester United man saw his effort come back off the base of the post. It was the last chance for QPR and Blackburn held on for three big points in the playoff hunt.
Matt Domm
