Paul Smyth's 65th-minute equaliser was QPR's first shot of the game
Paul Smyth capitalised on a dreadful error by keeper Max O'Leary to score a stunning goal as a resurgent QPR denied dominant Bristol City victory at Ashton Gate.
Smyth showed great composure to finish into an empty net from more than 40 yards out on the right touchline after O'Leary bizarrely raced out from his goal to try to intercept the ball as Rangers counter-attacked following a City corner.
The equaliser, which earned the lowly visitors their 12th point in a six-game unbeaten run, came just five minutes after the hosts had taken the lead through second-half substitute Scott Twine's sublime free-kick.
Twine curled home a glorious 20-yard effort with his first touch to finally reward City's utter dominance.
But Smyth's brilliant effort derailed the home momentum and ensured the Robins have secured just five points in the past six Championship games.
City should have been out of sight after a first half which saw Rangers fail to register a shot on target, or any crosses and touches in the home side's penalty box.
The outstanding Anis Mehmeti was the biggest threat and almost scored with a rasping early half-volley that grazed the outside of the post.
And Mehmeti, Yu Hirakawa and Max Bird all impressed as City continued to boss the midfield.
Mehmeti skied a volley over the bar from Zak Vyner's cross, Bird failed to connect fully with an 18-yard strike and Nahki Wells had a header cleared off the line by Sam Field.
The pressure told after the break as Twine's right-foot strike earned a richly deserved lead on the hour, and Wells almost made it 2-0 with a header that went narrowly wide after a defensive blunder.
But O'Leary's gaffe gifted Smyth the chance to earn Rangers a point, with neither side able to grab a winner in an increasingly open final phase.
Bristol City boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Bristol:
"I can't question the lads' attitude, being all in on the way we work, but what the (coaching) staff can't do is put it in the net for them.
"The lads know that if we want to move away from being a mid-table Championship side and push (on), we have to step up in those moments.
"The free-kick was a moment of quality worthy of winning the game, it was outstanding.
"Then to concede so quickly after, and such a ridiculous goal, is hugely frustrating."
QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes:
"I learned a new English expression this week, which was to 'grind it out' and that's what my team did today.
"The first-half display was not good enough against one of the best sides in the league when it comes to energy and counter-attack.
"Paul Smyth works so hard for the team on and off the ball so it was great to see him get his goal.
"I thought he might have gone down under the goalkeeper's challenge, which would have brought a red card, but he was honest in keeping his feet and it was not an easy finish."
Liam Manning speaks after Bristol City drew 1-1 at home to QPR. Image: Getty
