Cardiff City lost the opportunity to improve their play-off chances when they were held to a goalless draw by mid-table QPR.
The Bluebirds started with the side that won at Plymouth, while Rangers had former City players Gareth Ainsworth, who started on the right flank, and Richard Langley who was on the bench.
A break down the right by Cameron Jerome in the 12th minute almost brought the Bluebirds a goal but Steve Thompson failed to get the all important touch.
Five minutes later a move involving Thompson and Neal Ardley ended with Joe Ledley flashing a shot into the side netting.
Rangers’ first attempt on the home goal came from an over-head kick by Sammy Youssouf in the 28th minute but it was an easy save for Neil Alexander.
Jason Koumas whipped in a cross which was met by Jerome but his header was deflected for a corner.
That was a rare moment of class in a tame first half where conditions appeared to prevent any fluid play from either side
The second half opened with a superb save from Alexander as he went down low to his left to palm behind a free-kick from Ainsworth.
At the other end Jerome had a clear sight of goal when a mis-kick presented him with an opening but Wales keeper Paul Jones came out swiftly to block.
City had a narrow escape on the hour when a Marc Nygaard’s shot was pushed on to a post by Alexander following some slack home defending.
Paul Furlong joined the fray in the 72nd minute as Rangers sensed they could snatch a victory and he was straight into the action only for a great tackle from Glenn Loovens to save the Bluebirds.
Langley came on for Nygaard with three minutes remaining and was pushed up front to partner Furlong who was causing Darren Purse and Loovens a few problems but a poor game came to an end with neither side deserving victory.
Cardiff: Alexander, Barker, Purse, Loovens, Scimeca, Ardley, Koumas, Ledley, Cooper (Weston 77), Thompson, Jerome.
Subs Not Used: Cox, Boland, Ndumbu-Nsungu, Worgan.
QPR: Jones, Bignot, Milanese, Evatt, S**ttu, Bircham, Ainsworth, Cook, Lomas, Youssouf (Furlong 72), Nygaard (Langley 89).
Subs Not Used: Royce, Santos, Baidoo.
Ref: K Wright (Cambridgeshire).
Player Ratings
Paul JONES (7)
Made one crucial save from Cameron Jerome but our Welsh international was kept relatively quiet throughout.
Marcus BIGNOT (7)
Biggy was consistant in his performance, keeping Kevin Cooper and Jason Koumas quiet when they attacked down his side, made some vital clearances in the first half.
Mauro MILANESE (7)
Like Biggy, Mauro kept Cooper and Koumas quiet and had one of his better games for Rangers. Looked solid and assured.
Danny S**TTU (8)
See above.
Ian EVATT (7)
His distribution still needs work but he was excellent when dealing with Jerome and Thompson’s physical presence, made some superb tackles on the ground.
Gareth AINSWORTH (7)
Almost scored an outstanding free-kick but found it difficult to impose himself down the right. Gave his usual 110% effort.
Lee COOK (7)
Like ‘Wild Thing’, Cookie found it hard to get involved in the game but made a sound contribution when in possession.
Marc BIRCHAM (7)
Was dominant alongside Lomas in the middle, not allowing the Cardiff midfield time or space.
Steve LOMAS (7)
Never stopped running in the middle doing a great job in stifiling the Cardiff attack.
Marc NYGAARD (6)
Won his flick-on’s but was not at the races with the ball at his feet. Looked tired and took too long setting himself for our best chance.
Sammy YOUSSOUF (7)
Linked up well and looked a threat when running at the Cardiff defence. Deceptively strong and pacey.
Manager Rating
Gary Waddock (8) Waddo set his side out to not get beaten and he successfully managed the team in gaining a deserved point. We certainly had lions share of the chances in front of goal and the team looked assured throughout. We are organised, solid and hard to beat under Waddo- just a shame we couldn’t be a little bit more attacked minded than playing on the counter.
Opponent Rating
Paul Jones (6) Jones has done a great job at Cardiff this season but his side never looked like threatening us over the course of the match. Bringing on Weston for Cooper was more of a defensive looking switch and he certainly didn’t gamble in going for the win- despite accusing us of being unimaginative in the Welsh press.