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Championship

Jan 28, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

QPR Queens Park Rangers
2-1
Bolton Bolton Wanderers

Austin (41'), Henry (49')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Spearing (85')

Charlie Austin, Karl Henry tighten QPR promotion grip

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 January 2014

Goals from Charlie Austin and a first at the club for Karl Henry send Queens Park Rangers on their way to three points at Loftus Road against Bolton Wanderers.

Queens Park Rangers have strengthened their grip on second place in the Championship with victory against Bolton Wanderers.

QPR's Charlie Austin celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Bolton during their Championship match on January 28, 2014 © Getty Images

A nasty-looking injury picked up by Bolton defender Tim Ream meant for a slow start to the game, with Hayden White coming on to make his first-team debut at full-back.

Darren Pratley had the contest's first real opportunity with 15 minutes on the clock, breaking down the left before dragging his effort wide of goal.

Pratley was involved again shortly after as he found striker Craig Davies following some sloppy defending, though the striker's effort was well saved by Robert Green at full-stretch.

Davies came even closer shortly before half time, with the Welshman's curling strike hitting the crossbar.

Despite the Trotter's chances, it was QPR who took a first-half lead after Charlie Austin headed past Andy Lonergan from a Matty Phillips cross.

QPR's Karl Henry celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal against Bolton during their Championship match on January 28, 2014 © Getty Images

The Hoops doubled their advantage minutes after the restart, Karl Henry picking up his first goal for the West London club with a strike from outside the area.

Bolton looked for a way back into the contest, and they almost managed to do so through Medo who had Green outstretched to deny him, though not long after Jay Spearing did find a way past the R's keeper with a low-driven strike that was deflected into the back of the net.

Despite a late scare, Harry Redknapp's side held on for all three points to leave them three clear of third-placed Burnley.