QPR and Stoke share the points in west London

QPR and Stoke City produced a stalemate at Loftus Road, but the Potters will feel as though they should have been awarded a penalty late on.

The visitors found the back of the net in the opening stages but their celebrations were halted due to the linesman’s flag. Neither side would really be able to threaten after that until the break, although QPR looked quick on the counter.

They would be the better team from the start of the second half, but could not backup their efforts with a goal. Towards the end of stoppage time, Stoke had huge cries for a penalty, only for referee Matt Donohue to dismiss their protests.

QPR are now sixth in the Championship, whilst the Potters sit in 14th.

Stoke thought they had taken the lead after just three minutes as Dwight Gayle fired into the top corner inside the area, but QPR were saved by the offside flag. The visitors would continue to show attacking intent in the opening minutes, but the hosts did well to diminish any threats.

Michael Beale’s side would soon find themselves on the counter-attack, pushing men forward in response to the early scare. Pace was evident to see, but Stefan Johansen’s ball into the box could not find a teammate in one of their breakaways.

Chris Willock, who is QPR’s top scorer for the season so far, was heavily involved in their chances in the first half. He saw an effort inside the area blocked by an opposition defender, minutes before Andre Dozzell’s shot from range also failed to find the back of the net.

Moments later, Liam Delap want down in the area very easily, and the referee was quick to wave play on. Once again, the hosts looked good on the counter but this time they were stopped in their tracks by a solid tackle from Tariqe Fosu, who prevented Willock from advancing.

Both sides were able to frustrate each other as the first half progressed, with both defences remaining resilient. Gayle hit a free-kick onto the top of the bar from just outside the area, before the striker saw an attempt dragged wide of the post just a couple of minutes later.

Moments before the break, Josef Bursik did really well to tip Johansen’s strong shot wide for a corner. That would be the final effort of the half, with neither team able to hit the back of the net.

An attacking substitution was made at the start of the second half by QPR, with Lyndon Dykes coming on for Dozzell. It was soon clear to see that such a change had made an impact on the side, with the hosts winning two early corners as they continued their search for the opener.

Kenneth Paal was the next player to have an attempt on goal as he found himself unmarked in space inside the box, but he was denied by the Stoke defence.

Another counter, and soon, another corner. Willock once again found himself at the heart of the attack for the R’s but he was unable to help his side score. Bursik was called into action soon after, this time making a great save to deny Dykes’ header.

The forward then found himself on the end of some good buildup play from QPR, but his half-volley was sent behind for another corner.

Ilias Chair was another player who got stuck in with the hosts’ chances; his agility and eye for a pass caused some trouble for the Potters throughout the game. He had a couple of efforts from range but neither tested the goalkeeper, and a lack of connection with a header 15 minutes from time was the closest he came.

Ethan Laird’s strong effort was tipped behind as Rangers continued to push for what would have certainly been a winner. With minutes remaining up the other end, Seny Dieng was on hand to tip Aden Flint’s header over the bar.

In added time, Stoke would have the best chances of scoring. Substitute Tyrese Campbell saw his shot go just wide of the post before the most controversial moment of the match took place. A Potter player went down inside the area and there were huge calls for a late penalty, but the referee did not award them a spot-kick.

Manager Alex Neil was furious on the touchline, and Stoke fans will go home feeling they should have been given a penalty right at the death.

Both sides will now be out of action until the beginning of October due to the international break. QPR will travel to Bristol City on their return, whilst Stoke entertain Watford.

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