Queens Park Rangers 1-3 Leeds United
- Published
Kemar Roofe has scored two hat-tricks this season
Kemar Roofe scored a hat-trick to give Leeds United victory at QPR.
The former Oxford United forward powerfully headed home Ezgjan Alioski's cross before adding his second when he finished sub Pawel Cibicki's centre.
Leeds keeper Felix Wiedwald made a horrendous error to allow Pawel Wszolek's cross to bounce over him to give the hosts late hope.
However, with the R's pushing on the visitors broke away and Roofe showed composure to finish his hat-trick.
He made the most of his first start since 22 November with a clinical display of finishing, having been moved into a more central position after striker Caleb Ekuban was forced off through injury in the first half.
Leeds looked to be coasting to victory before Wiedwald completely misjudged Wszolek's hopeful ball forward and moments later were then indebted to the German keeper for denying Idrissa Sylla an injury-time equaliser.
Roofe had the final say with a smart shot from Samu Saiz's pass and they are now four points outside the top six, while QPR have now lost five of their last six.
Leeds are seventh in the table following the win, four points outside the play-off places, with Rangers 19th and only six points above the relegation zone.
QPR boss Ian Holloway:
"We'll look at where we are and see if we can maybe freshen it up with people who haven't had to go through this, because it looks like they're getting down a little bit.
"We played very well in the first half and should have been ahead but unfortunately the goal we need to give the boys the confidence they deserve is eluding us.
"Then when the opposition score, as they did today, it hits us a bit, and then they got another one.
"The annoying one was the third one, because we were right back in it after the crazy goal we got.
Leeds head coach Thomas Christiansen:
"In the first half we were not good but in the second we were better and it was important to score the first goal.
"The whole defensive line was much better. We've had five games now where we have defended better and believe we're stronger.
"They came under pressure and we defended well, because it was difficult with QPR's direct play with Matt Smith up front. It was a tough test for the defence.
"We have had five very good performances and I'm very pleased with the team, the performance and of course the result."