Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Helder Costa tapped into an empty net to score Wolves' second goal against QPR

Wolves beat QPR to go 13 points clear at the top of the Championship - but they survived some nervy second-half moments to win narrowly at Molineux.

Alfred N'Diaye turned in a cross from Ivan Cavaleiro to put Wolves ahead, and Cavaleiro set up fellow winger Helder Costa for the second before half-time.

Conor Washington, who had forced two early saves from John Ruddy, hooked in QPR's reply shortly after the break.

Wolves captain Conor Coady cleared Eberechi Eze's late shot off the line.

Substitute Matt Smith fired over and Ruddy kept out an effort from Pawel Wszolek, while Ryan Bennett's last-ditch challenge denied Washington to preserve three points for the home side.

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The Championship leaders looked set for a thumping victory once they had overcome a slow start to go in front.

Senegal midfielder N'Diaye bundled in his first goal since September, while Portuguese winger Costa rounded off a superb team move to end his personal three-month goal drought.

Wolves had several opportunities to put the game beyond Rangers, one of only four teams to have beaten Wanderers in the league this season, by half-time.

The introduction of giant striker Smith at the interval significantly increased QPR's attacking threat, but Wolves just about survived to extend their lead over second-placed Derby, who drew at home to Norwich.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo told BBC WM:

"The first half was a very good half, with many chances and good football.

"The second half was different and we have to be more compact. QPR started putting in long balls, which changed the game.

"They are a well organised team and have a way of football which requires a lot of defensive organisation to stop them.

"The result we achieved was important."

QPR manager Ian Holloway told BBC Radio London:

"I was very upset at half-time but the lads gave a resounding response.

"It is tough with a pitch that big and the confidence level of them. Their manager is excellent, the way they play is tried and tested and they have taken the club miles forward.

"When they pass it as nicely and well as they do, it is very difficult.

"I tried something and it could have worked, but we didn't take the opportunities. We showed more than enough nous but we needed to get an equaliser."