Queens Park Rangers 0-1 West Bromwich Albion: Kyle Bartley heads winner for Baggies
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Kyle Bartley's header earned West Brom just their second away league victory this season
Kyle Bartley's second-half header secured struggling West Brom just their fourth Championship victory of the season as QPR's winless run extended to three games.
Defender Bartley leapt highest to meet a delightful free-kick from John Swift and direct his header home from close range with just over 20 minutes remaining.
The visitors had the best chance of the first half, Grady Diangana wastefully shooting wide with the goal gaping.
Promotion-chasing Rangers, who drop to fifth in the table, went close through Lyndon Dykes' volley but were below par and unable to gain any control against a Baggies side who have now secured back-to-back wins under new boss Carlos Corberan following defeat in his first game in charge.
The Baggies should have led inside five minutes but Diangana somehow shot wide on the follow-up after keeper Seny Dieng had saved from Jayson Molumby.
Diangana then teed up John Swift but his attempt was deflected just wide as he looked for a fourth goal this season.
Rangers, seeking a fourth consecutive home victory, finally got into their stride just before the half-hour mark, Tim Iroegbunam blasting an effort wide and keeper Alex Palmer having to make a smart low save to keep out a superb Dykes volley.
Ilias Chair also had a shot deflected just over and Rob Dickie went close from the corner which followed, but the Baggies responded impressively.
Jed Wallace saw a shot go just off target before Bartley's crucial header proved the game's decisive moment.
Rangers, who have now gone three games without scoring, pressed in the latter stages. The hosts claimed a penalty when Albert Adomah went down in the box and Chris Willock - making his first start in a month after injury - was a fraction off target with a strike, but the pressure could not prevent West Brom earning just a fourth win in their past 21 away league games.
QPR boss Mick Beale on the game and Chris Willock's return from injury:
"West Brom started well but we responded and probably, in the second half, we were the team pushing but we just lacked that cutting edge in the final third.
"We spoke about it at half-time and said it was a game which would be decided by a big moment, and it came from them with a set-piece which is bitterly disappointing. West Brom defended extremely well and took their big moment when it came. We couldn't find the big moment and we're obviously really frustrated.
"You look at West Brom's squad and you know they're going to pick up. West Brom have lots of quality in their team and a lot of experience as well.
"It's really important we have Chris back, especially with Tyler Roberts not available and Taylor Richards picking up speed in terms of his fitness. Chris got through the 90 minutes well and we will have to make an assessment on what we can do with him on Tuesday against Huddersfield, and with Saturday at Coventry in mind as well. But we are always a better team with Chrissy around."
West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan:
"It was really important to reinforce Tuesday's win with another positive result. It's great for the players to earn another win because they are working really hard every day and they are showing complete commitment.
"QPR haven't lost at home here since mid-August and that shows that they've been doing many good things. However, at the same time, we knew what our own possibilities were and I think the players' hard work has certainly paid off.
"We showed a resilience at the back and throughout the team. We managed to find a balance, but we had to suffer together at times to make sure we got a positive result.
"The best thing we can do for the supporters is show them that every player is fighting for the shirt. I think the fans will be proud of that performance."