QPR were denied in the last two minutes of added time by a penalty that also saw Leroy Fer red carded after he handballed on the line.

Grant Leadbetter sent Rob Green the wrong way for the winning spot-kick - and no one in away blue could complain at the decision - but the result?

Rs were stubborn to the point of brilliant in an obdurate sort of way. But not even the excellence of Nedum Onuoha and Grant Hall in defence saw Rs denied a break.

Certainly, that is the feeling of stand in QPR boss Kevin Blackwell, who took charge due to Neil Warnock missing the game due to personal reasons.

He said: "What didn't help was a wasteful attack, such as it was, and a referee disinclined to award penalties. Even the Boro winner came courtesy of the assistant's keen eyes.

"Two good penalty chances turned down; Rugby tackles," said Blackwell. "Nedum (Onuoha) got pulled over - and they're crucial decisions and at a place like this. You can't afford not to be given those.

"The players had a game plan - and they stuck to it. We had five great chances, and we're thoroughly disappointed we came away with nothing."

Video: Watch the best of the action as QPR beaten at Middlesbrough

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