QPR 2-1 Newcastle

QPR might be relegated but they gave their fans some cheer with a victory over Newcastle.

In a game that would not look out of place in the lower reaches of the Championship, the Magpies took the lead after a long ball from goalkeeper Tim Krul split the Rangers defence, allowing Emmanuel Riviere the time to control, turn and fire past Rob Green.

The Rs goalkeeper departed after taking a knee to the head from Joey Barton as the hosts were booed off at half-time.

Jack Colback of Newcastle United and Joey Barton of QPR compete for the ball
Battle: Jack Colback of Newcastle United and Joey Barton of QPR compete for the ball

QPR levelled 10 minutes into the second half as Charlie Austin broke the offside trap to provide a cross for Matt Phillips to head home.

Leroy Fer, with the only moment of Premier League quality, gave QPR the lead just after the hour mark as he punished Krul's lacklustre kick with a fine 25-yard strike.

The opening 20 minutes were an exhibition in woeful football as neither side looked threatening with the only moments of note coming when Ryan Taylor kicked thin air and Joey Barton did the same with his head.

Emmanuel Riviere celebrates scoring the first goal for Newcastle
Rare sight: Emmanuel Riviere celebrates scoring for Newcastle

Newcastle took the lead with a goal that was so simple it was practically criminal as Krul's long free kick was controlled by Riviere and he knocked it past Green and into the net.

The goalkeeper, who has been one of QPR's better players this season, was forced off soon after as he collided with Barton.

QPR were ragged but were on level terms when Coloccini played Austin offside and his cross was knocked into the net by Phillips.

Rangers had the lead soon after as Krul's poor clearance found its way to Fer, who rifled his shot home.

Newcastle pushed forward desperately for an equaliser that would ease some final day nerves but Clint Hill bravely blocked Papiss Cisse's shot from close range to give Rangers a win.

HOOPS: Green (McCarthy 34), Onuoha, Dunne, Caulker (Yun 45), Hill, Phillips, Barton, Henry, Hoilett (Grego-Cox 45), Fer, Austin.

Subs (not used); Wright-Phillips, Doughty, Furlong, Comley.