DAME N’Doye was the difference as the spirited ten-men of Queens Park Rangers were edged out by Hull City.
Nikica Jelavic had handed the hosts the advantage when Steven Caulker’s poor defensive header was pounced upon by the Croatian – rifling home on the volley after the 15-minute mark.
After the half-hour mark things went from bad to worse for the visitors – who were being cheered on by their 2000 strong support.
Darnell Furlong – son of former QPR forward Paul – put in a stern challenge on his debut, sparking the Tigers players surrounding the young full-back and the referee.
It culminated in Joey Barton – albeit attempting to protect Furlong – pushing Alex Bruce before striking Tom Huddlestone in the midriff. Anthony Taylor had no hesitation in brandishing a red card.
Incredibly Rangers then levelled – Matt Phillips red-hot streak continued when his phenomenal right-wing cross saw Charlie Austin glance a fine header Allan McGregor.
His celebration drawing reference to the fact that the Tigers pulled out of signing the forward on the grounds of a medical before he joined QPR.
Rangers battled bravely with their numerical disadvantage and managed to create a handful of opportunities, but with Hull throwing forwards onto the pitch in abundance, the tide finally told.
Green saved breathtakingly from Sone Aluko before Robbie Brady’s far post cross allowed Dame N’Doye to crash home a header to break QPR hearts.
Share this article
