Jimmy Dunne scored the match-winner as QPR produced one of the narrow football scores of the weekend in the Championship. Preston was continuously irritated by the visitors until Dunne’s strike in the 58th minute separated the two teams. After Michael Beale’s well-publicized departure from Rangers last month, Critchley, a former Blackpool manager, took over as Michael Beale’s replacement at QPR. Preston entered the contest fresh off a convincing 4-1 win over Blackburn at Ewood Park and was aiming to make it four league victories in a row.
Preston’s first half-chance came in minute 10 when Ryan Ledson produced a superb long ball to Brad Potts, but his shot was mishit and missed the target by a significant margin. A few minutes later, Ethan Laird gave QPR hope by cutting into the box just before Tim Iroegbunam’s attempt was missed. The home crowd became quite furious as Iroegbunam’s long-range attempt hit the post. This was his more convincing effort. Lyndon Dykes had plenty of time in the area before passing the ball to Sam Field, whose shot was blocked, allowing QPR to expose Preston’s defense. Ben Whiteman’s attempt for the hosts bounced off the foot of a QPR defender and out for a goal three minutes before halftime.
After 52 minutes, QPR created the first serious chance of the second half when Chris Willock volleyed over after Albert Adomah broke clear on the right side and delivered a precise pass across the box. After 58 minutes, the visitors seized the lead when Dunne, who was unmarked, poked the ball home off the crossbar following a corner. Six minutes later, Ben Woodburn should have equalized for Preston when Ched Evans made a great lay-off to him. However, Seny Dieng stopped his one-on-one attempt.
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