Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Middlesbrough: Chuba Akpom gets debut goal as Boro draw

Bright Osayi-Samuel scores for QPRRex Features

Bright Osayi-Samuel was first to the rebound to level for QPR

Former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom scored on his Middlesbrough debut but they were denied a first Championship win of the season as they were held at QPR.

The 24-year-old, signed last week from Greek side PAOK, lost his marker and flicked in a near-post header from Paddy McNair's corner to put Boro ahead.

QPR equalised nine minutes later when visiting keeper Marcus Bettinelli could only parry Luke Amos' shot into the danger area, where Bright Osayi-Samuel was on hand to slide in.

Mark Warburton's hosts pressed for a winner, having a strong penalty shout for handball turned down before substitute Tom Carroll hit the post and watched the ball somehow cleared to safety.

The R's have a win, draw and defeat to their name in the league, while Boro - still without manager Neil Warnock as he self-isolates after contracting coronavirus last week - remain without a league win.

Before half-time Boro escaped punishment when an Amos shot appeared to strike George Saville's raised arm in the box, with the midfielder proceeding to go down holding his head.

The visitors had a penalty claim of their own, Grant Hall complaining of being obstructed as he went to attack a free-kick.

Britt Assombalonga came closest to a Boro winner but he miscued his back-post header, while QPR's Carroll saw his effort roll along the goalline and cleared by Dael Fry, who did well to prevent Ilias Chair from turning the ball in.

QPR boss Mark Warburton told BBC Radio London:

"They are a tough team and have good quality and physicality in their squad. You have to stand up against them in the box.

"It feels like we have dropped two points, as we had the better chances and much more of the ball.

"Overall, there was lots of good play and some very pleasing football."

Middlesbrough assistant manager Kevin Blackwell told BBC Tees:

"It was two sides who both worked very hard.

"While they had their spells, I think we had more spells of danger than they did.

"I thought it was a matter of course that the referee was going to blow for a penalty [for the incident involving Hall]. When he looks back on it, I think he will regret he hasn't given the right decision.

"We have only had Chuba here three or four days and he acquitted himself very well."

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