QPR stay top of the pile after 2-1 win against Wigan

Photo by Christian Mayes

High-flying QPR retained their place at the top of the Championship with a 2-1 win over Wigan at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

Michael Beale, who confirmed he is staying put after talks with Wolves in midweek, and his men will end the week at the summit of the table for a second round of fixtures after two goals from corners in the first half secured the three points.

The hosts were the dominant side for much of the game as the Latics failed to create many scoring opportunities, although substitute Josh Magennis almost secured a point for the visitors by hitting the post to scare the home side with three minutes to go.

QPR took the lead after 12 minutes through Sam Field, who connected his left foot with a corner that had looped over the crowded 6-yard box to find the Hoops midfielder in space.

Wigan tried to utilise target man Will Keane’s hold up play throughout the match, which reaped rewards when the striker set up Nathan Broadhead following a free kick inside the visitor’s own half, with Keane cushioning the ball for Broadhead to hammer into the QPR net from outside the area in the 22nd minute.

The league leaders responded within two minutes through another corner, with Johansen’s in swinging cross inviting Leon Balogun to climb above Wigan’s defence to head QPR back in front.

Johansen’s involvement in the match was ended shortly before half time, with the QPR skipper forced off through injury, replaced by Andre Dozzell in stoppage time.

The win caps off a perfect week for the Hoops, following Wednesday’s 3-0 win against Cardiff, before Beale announced that he would stay with the league leaders instead of jumping ship to Wolves for a job in the Premier League.

QPR face Birmingham City next on Friday night, while Wigan host Watford on Saturday.

LINEUPS:

QPR: Dieng; Laird, Balogun, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Johansen (Dozzell, 45’), Field, Iroegbunam (Dickie 64’), Chair (Richards 89’), Armstrong (Amos 45’) ; Dykes (Bonne 89’).

Unused subs: Archer (gk), Kakay.

WIGAN:

Amos, Whatmough, Cousins (Naylor 73’), Power, Keane (Fletcher 79’), McClean, Kerr, Tilt, Shinnie, Broadhead (Magennis 79’), Darikwa (Aasgaard 73’).

Unused Subs: Jones (gk), Bennett, Edmonds-Green.