Queens Park Rangers earned a hard-fought win over Doncaster Rovers aided by a scruffy equaliser just after the interval.

The Hoops' best chance of the opening minutes fell to Croatian wideman Niko Kranjcar, but the former Portsmouth and Tottenham player saw his effort hit Charlie Austin and drift wide of Ross Turnbull's goal.

In a first half of few clear opportunities for the hosts, Joey Barton went close after winning the ball back in midfield but his effort failed to work the Doncaster keeper.

QPR were made to pay for the inability to breach the Rovers' defence when Theo Robinson scored for the visitors just before the interval after good link-up play with Federico Macheda.

However, Harry Redknapp's side managed to find an equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when, after a goalmouth scramble, the ball fell to Matt Phillips who poked the ball past Turnbull.

From that point the R's had much the better of the game in terms of chances, but despite their best efforts, it looked like they would be unable to fashion a winner.

However, Austin popped up in stoppage time to head home and secure a vital three points that keeps the West London outfit in touch with the leaders at the top of the Championship.