Storm Clouds Gather for Harris following defeat to QPR

Chris Willock poured more troubles down on Cardiff City manager Neil Harris as QPR inflicted a sixth successive defeat on his Cardiff City side at a wet and windy Cardiff City Stadium.

The home side sported something of a new look, with debuts for recent signings Max Watters and Perry NG while Sean Morrison and Kieffer Moore took their places in the starting XI again following recent injury absences. Charlie AustIn was a familiar face for the men from Loftus Road.

The Bluebirds set out in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Wilson playing behind two hungry strikers in the shape of Moore and Watters.

But it was the veteran Austin who almost struck the first blow, coming close with a scorching, looping drive after 10 minutes. Swirling rain circled the stadium as the sides delivered a competitive scrap.

Moore was causing Rangers problems with his strength and determination. Joe Ralls fired in a firm drive as Harris’ men warmed to the task, though good chances were few.

Ng was looking assured at right back, a position where Cardiff had struggled all season. The relentless rain continued as Wilson was sent tumbling dangerously near the box, the resulting free kick forcing two, or maybe even three, close range saves from Seny Dieng.

The lively Wilson almost got a decent shot away moments later as the home side began to look capable of ending their loosing streak.

Geoff Cameron saw Yellow for a hefty lunge on the breezy Wilson as the second half continued the meaty nature of the opening 45. You sensed that either side could win this one as Cardiff replaced Watters with Harris just before the hour mark. Austen again went close soon afterwards.

The men in blue looked willing to pass it around with the lively Harris forcing a corner on 61 minutes from which the increasingly influential Wilson fired firmly towards a grateful Dieng.

QPR forced the ball over the line on 65 minutes but, to my surprise, we saw AustIn’s effort ruled out for (I think) a high foot on Ng. Now it was QPR who were throwing more punches as they replaced AustIn with Bonne.

Willock soon added to his growing influence on the game by firing the visitors deservingly ahead on 70 minutes. Questions in the home defence at the space he found maybe. Moments later, he was in the fray again as Rangers pressed forward.

Cameron appeared to pull back a dashing Moore shortly afterwards but the referee was unmoved. Cameron booked already you recall.

Cardiff introduced more fire power in the shape of Robert Glatzel and Sheyi Ojo but seemed short of ideas as the visitors looked increasingly likely to add to their lead – Bonne forcing a marvellous save from Smithies from a close range header.

A Morrison header…a Moore dart….both brought little joy for the Bluebirds.

Moore and Leandro Bacuna almost each forced an equaliser as the moments ticked away. Rangers continued to create more chances at the other end as Morrison was on hand to quell a late break. Josh Murphy was able to add little influence as a late home substitute as the Loftus Road outfit held out strongly for the three points.