Positive Austrian Tour For QPR

DESPITE rounding off their Austrian tour with a defeat, QPR will be in good shape heading back to England.

Fixtures against Besiktas and Udinese were always going to prove challenging, particularly in light of a defeat against League One Peterborough United, but QPR held their own.

Defeating Besiktas 1-0 courtesy of an Andrew Johnson header, Rangers headed into the clash with the Europa League qualifiers Udinese with confidence.

Marshaled by Steve McClaren, Rangers were not only able to blood the youngsters but put in a positive performance despite defeat. Matej Vydra looked relatively anonymous despite the R’s going two goals down.

Frankie Sutherland came from the bench to create and finish off a fine counter-attacking move, coolly slotting home to halve the deficit.

While it did not yield a draw, the performance itself was admirable, leaving Rangers in good shape returning to face Southend United next week.

Meanwhile Tom Hitchcock’s hatrick ensured a 4-0 win over Staines Town for the EDS side. Michael Petrasso netted the fourth in a one-sided affair in which Rangers fielded Hogan Ephraim and Tal Ben-Haim.