Queens Park Rangers 3-2 Rotherham United: R's record first win in three
- Published
QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel (right) struck his second goal of the season after a fine solo run
Queens Park Rangers secured a first win in three after beating Rotherham United in a lively encounter at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Ilias Chair fired Rangers ahead via a double deflection but Michael Smith headed in Wes Harding's cross to equalise seven minutes before the break.
However, Bright Osayi-Samuel struck in first-half stoppage time and then Lyndon Dykes added a penalty to give the hosts a 3-1 lead at the break.
The Millers pulled one back with six minutes remaining when substitute Freddie Ladapo nodded in from close range, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.
Paul Warne's men have now lost four of their past five matches and are three points above the relegation zone following Wycombe's draw with Huddersfield.
Rangers lay platform for victory in first half
Osayi-Samuel was a constant threat in the opening 45 minutes, hitting the post before teeing up Chair for his 20th-minute opener.
Hoops keeper Seny Dieng tipped a Daniel Barlaser strike over the bar before Smith's leveller, but QPR continued to create chances in a breathless first half.
Chris Willock nodded narrowly wide before Chair tested Jamal Blackman from a narrow angle and Osayi-Samuel saw his follow-up effort deflected off the line and onto the post by Angus MacDonald.
But the winger was not to be denied as he advanced into the area and netted with a powerful angled strike.
Rangers were then awarded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time when Barlaser handled a free-kick which was lofted into the box.
Dykes made no mistake, drilling the ball low just to the left of centre as Blackman dived to his left, to net his fourth goal for the R's - all of which have come from the spot.
MacDonald made a couple of vital interceptions in the second half to deny the hosts a fourth goal, and Michael Ihiekwe had an effort ruled out for offside as Rotherham attempted a comeback.
Ladapo set up a lively finale as when netted on the rebound after an Ihiekwe header had hit the post, but Rangers survived four minutes of added time to see out the match and move up to 13th in the table.
QPR boss Mark Warburton told BBC Radio London:
"We had a very good first half and met the challenge early on, moving the ball quickly.
"We got the goals and in truth - very respectfully - should have had at least double that.
"They were always going to come out with a positive response and we fell straight into that trap.
"We played their game in the second half and easily could have dropped two points. We must learn from that."
Rotherham boss Paul Warne told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"It was two different performances.
"The first half we showed QPR too much respect and backed off their dangerous players. The penalty at the death was a sucker punch.
"Second half we changed it and went more athletic, and could have taken a point.
"Overall it was a very mixed evening and I am hugely disappointed."