QUEENS PARK RANGERS’ hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League were dealt a severe blow at Hillsbrough on Tuesday as they fell to a 3-0 defeat.
Sheffield Wednesday are the latest side to clip QPR’s promotion chasing wings in recent months. The heavy loss sees Harry Redknapp’s side remain in fourth place with many of their close rivals in action this evening.
The visitors started brightly against Wednesday but fell behind on 33 minutes after a game-altering contribution from centre back Richard Dunne. The centre-back, who was excused from Ireland duty ahead of the Serbia friendly, bundled over Wednesday, and former Ireland, striker Leon Best in the box.
Despite his fervent protests that he got a touch on the ball, and that Best made the most of any contact, Dunne was given his marching orders. Chris Maguire dispatched the penalty and two more goals followed in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Rangers captain Aaron Hughes said, “It was a difficult night. The red card and penalty changed the match. Before that we had good possession, and created a few half-chances like [Clint] Hilly’s header across the face of their goal and a couple of others.
