QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink hailed his team's persistence after their 1-0 win against Bristol City at Loftus Road.
But the gaffer admitted a point-blank save from in-form Alex Smithies kept his side in it when the score was 0-0.
Rangers created a number of chances and Conor Washington's deflected shot struck the City crossbar before Idrissa Sylla's 75th-minute goal broke the deadlock.
The Guinea striker's first-time finish from Massimo Luongo's cross secured a first home league win since the opening day of the season.
"In the first half we were the better team and should have scored," said Hasselbaink.
"It's always difficult when you've played that well and are not in front at half-time, but we were persistent and did the same in the second half.
"We went for it. It was always going to be a battle in midfield and about winning the physical battle.
"Whoever won that could then create, and we did that particularly well."
Rangers scored their goal three minutes after a crucial save from keeper Alex Smithies, who denied Bobby Reid at point-blank range.
"It was a great save," said Hasselbaink.
"But then we picked it up and scored a really well-worked goal and I was pleased we could then hold on.
"My boys battled away. Yes we needed our keeper to make a good save, but we deserved the three points.
"It's always important to win at home and obviously it was in the backs of our minds.
"We have been unfortunate in the last few games but we cannot look back. What's important is what is now in front of us."
Bristol City boss Lee Johnson insisted his side were denied a perfectly good goal by a "disgraceful" offside decision.
Lee Tomlin appeared at first glance to be offside when he netted midway through the first half.
But Johnson said: "I've seen it (on video). I wouldn't be as strong as that had I not seen it.
"Tonight we've scored a good goal. It was onside. Poor officiating. It was a goal.
"We ride out the early storm, do some things we've worked on in training, and then that happens."
He added: "Bobby Reid is a good player but he has missed a very good chance.
"But you have to say it was a very good save. Sometimes you just have to give credit to the opposing goalkeeper.
"It was a key point in the match really because it got their tails up and made them believe they could go on and win it.
"It was a good game. It had quality in sporadic patches, and had aggression.
"I've got a good group of lads and we've got a lot of players now back fit, so our squad looks strong and healthy."
