“A comical own goal by Thierry Small preserved QPR’s unbeaten run,”
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that left QPR in 12th place, still seven points off the playoff spots. Brad Potts had given Preston the lead just after halftime, scoring in the 46th minute. His goal seemed poised to secure three crucial points for the home side.
However, the tide turned in the closing minutes when Small inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 83rd minute, allowing QPR to escape with a point. “Brad Potts’ goal in the first minute of the second half looked like being enough to secure the points for Preston,”
QPR entered the match with a strong form, unbeaten in four games and having won their previous three. The team had been looking to capitalize on their recent success to push for a playoff position. Yet, Julien Stephan’s side has struggled with conceding goals early in the second half, a pattern that reared its head once again. “Julien Stephan’s side have had a tendency this season to concede goals early in the second half – and it happened again,”
Preston, who had only managed 41% possession and three shots on target in their last match against Leicester City, aimed to improve their attacking output. In contrast, QPR had enjoyed 46% possession and eight shots on goal in their previous match against Watford, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find the winner.
With only five games remaining in the season, QPR’s hopes for a late charge towards the playoffs have been complicated by this draw. The last five encounters between these two teams have seen QPR remain unbeaten, a statistic that will provide some solace despite the disappointment of not securing a win.
As the season winds down, both teams will look to regroup and focus on their next fixtures. For QPR, the challenge remains to convert draws into wins to keep their playoff dreams alive. The urgency is palpable as every point counts in the tight Championship race.