Queens Park Rangers 0-2 Fulham: Cottagers need extra time to progress in FA Cup

Extra-time goals from substitutes Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano against QPR sent a much-changed Fulham into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, who started for Fulham despite breaking Covid rules, had sent a header wide and saw a chance cleared off the line in normal time.

Two fine Marek Rodak saves for Fulham and Lyndon Dykes' lack of composure for QPR sent the tie to extra time.

Decordova-Reid's low shot and Kebano's powerful strike decided the derby.

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The west London rivals were both in action for the first time in 2021 after coronavirus outbreaks interrupted their recent schedules.

Manager Scott Parker opted to rotate his squad for what was Fulham's first game in 14 days after having two Premier League fixtures postposed, calling on Josh Onomah for the first time for more than three months and bringing in fit-again defender Terence Kongolo for his first appearance since making a £4m move from Huddersfield in October, as well as reinstating Mitrovic.

Macauley Bonne, who came in as the only change for a strong QPR side, wasted two clear openings either side of half-time - first heading over from close range inside three minutes, then sending a half-volley wide after the break.

Bonne and Dominic Ball both tested Rodak after the break. However, the Championship side's best chance to avoid a sixth defeat in a 10-game winless run fell to Dykes, but he ballooned his effort wildly off target when he had time to control the ball and pick his spot late on.

QPR moved quick to bolster their attacking options after Saturday's game, bringing 31-year-old West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin back to the club on loan for the rest of the season.

Fulham failed to get a first-half shot on target, with Mitrovic heading just wide from a corner after having an effort blocked by Yoann Barbet, who was also crucially on the line to hook away a second-half chance that the Serb had squeezed past goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

Decordova-Reid's fine finish - his sixth goal of the season - Kebano's powerfully struck, first-time effort - his first of 2020-21- ensured the Cottagers progressed.

'A lot of positives' - reaction

Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Warburton: "The question before the game was, 'we are playing a strong Premier League team, where are we in comparison?'

"After 90 minutes we were very close. I thought we went toe to toe. I thought it was an entertaining 0-0 draw for the neutral.

"We've created four or five gilt-edged chances and we have to take them - simple as that.

Fulham boss Parker: "We had to move things around a little bit in terms of the squad because that's the position we're in.

"I'm pleased overall because momentum sticks with us - it's a win. We are unbeaten in five, with a clean sheet as well, and overall there are a lot of positives."

On starting Mitrovic after he breached Covid rules: "We've dealt with the matter internally. Aleks knows my position - we turn the page now and move on.

"He's been punished. He has to face the consequences but now we move on and he moves on, keeps improving and showing his quality."

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