A second-half goal from James Chester has given Hull City a 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in their opening fixture of the new Premier League season.

James Chester #5 of Hull City is congratulated by teammates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Hull City at Loftus Road on August 16, 2014 © Getty Images

Nikica Jelavic had the first chance of the match for the home side when a high ball into the box fell for him just a couple of yards out, but his header was too high.

As QPR started to see more of the ball, Jordan Mutch tried to set up a chance for Loic Remy, while Charlie Austin had an effort from the edge of the box blocked.

Mutch had another chance to open the scoring when Austin took the ball from Allan McGregor, but the summer signing could not find the target.

Austin was involved again just before the break as he won a corner, but Steven Caulker saw his header cleared off the line.

The stalemate was broken shortly after the restart as Hull won a corner, resulting in Chester losing Rio Ferdinard in the box to head the visitors into the lead.

Rob Green had to make a smart save to stop Hull doubling their lead later in the second half as Tom Ince tried to fire the ball in from a free kick.

The resulting corner presented Jelavic with another chance, but the Croatian's strike was blocked on the line by Richard Dunne.

The hosts were handed a lifeline late on when Austin won a penalty, but the striker's spot kick was saved by McGregor, while a late effort from Bobby Zamora also missed as Harry Redknapp's side suffered defeat on their return to the top flight.