RANGERS ‘ pre-season campaign came to a close with a 1-0 defeat to near-neighbours Brentford at MATRADE Road on Saturday.
Bees skipper Nathan Collins struck the decisive blow in just the second minute in a contest that lacked clear chances.
Our Premier League visitors led from the first opportunity of the contest. Brentford recycled a set-piece and, when the ball was eventually sent back in from the right wing, Collins’ glancing header found the net.
The Bees almost doubled their lead on 11 minutes. Igor Thiago wriggled free in the box but was denied by a last-minute intervention by Liam Morrison.
Rangers produced their first effort of note two minutes later - breaking on Brentford before Kieran Morgan drove at the visiting backline and blasted over.
At the other end, Keith Andrew’s men went close more in the 20th minute when Fabio Carvalho’s edge-of-the-box attempt only just evaded the foot of the left-hand post.
That proved to be the last notable effort of the first period, which lacked momentum during the latter stages of the half.
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Opportunities remained at a premium at the start of the closing period.
It took until the hour mark for the next chance of note to arrive. Following a string of visiting passes, Rico Henry’s eventual low drive was saved by the outstretched left leg of Joe Walsh.
As Rangers searched for a way back into the contest, Jonathan Varane was handed his first appearance of pre-season when he replaced Nicolas Madsen 20 minutes from time - while Daniel Bennie and Emmerson Sutton were also introduced.
Walsh made another important save in the 78th minute when blocking substitute Antoni Milambo’s low shot with his legs - while the R’s goalkeeper also produced an impressive stop to keep out Myles Peart-Harris’ downward header three minutes from time.
QPR weren’t able to make those reprieves count, though, with the focus now fully on our return to Sky Bet Championship in seven days’ time.
Our league campaign gets underway versus Preston in W12 next Saturday - kick-off 3pm.
QPR: Walsh, Dunne (Adamson 54), Morrison, Cook (Pearman 54), Dembele (Vale 85), Field, Chair, Poku (Sutton 70), Morgan (Bennie 70), Larkeche, Madsen (Varane 70).