Stand-in coach Kevin Blackwell was left as frustrated as everyone else at QPR when they were denied by a last-gasp winner from Middlesbrough.
It looked to be headed for a welcome away point when Leroy Fer's elbow led to the inevitable red card and a converted penalty from Grant Leadbitter in the second-last minute of added time.
Blackwell was standing in for the absent Neil Warnock, himself holding the fort until a permanent new manager can be found.
The former Rs boss was excused attendance at The Riverside for 'personal reasons' but was on the phone to coach Steve Gallen high in the stands throughout the match offering distant advice.
Blackwell joked: "He was ordering a pizza and some chips to be honest from Steve. He was watching the game from a TV angle and that sometimes helps."
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."
