HOLLOWAY’S PRIDE AS RANGERS PULL AWAY FROM DANGER ZONE

CONOR WASHINGTON struck his fourth goal in six games last night to give QPR breathing space in their fight against the drop. The home side were just about value for an important win over Wigan, who were pushed deeper into relegation trouble despite the best efforts of Omar Bogle. He converted from the spot to cancel out Matt Smith’s opener but Northern Ireland striker Washington continued Rangers’ recent upsurge. They

are now 10 points clear of Wigan, who occupy the 22nd and final relegation spot. Wigan, who have not won in London since their 2013 FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, could be five points off safety if Bristol City beat Fulham tonight. Rangers manager Ian Holloway said: ‘We got

an ugly win. It was more important that we got the three points than how we got them. They’re all wearing that shirt with so much pride that I’m bursting myself.’ Holloway challenged his players to replicate the season’s best display that earned a 4-1 win at Birmingham on Saturday and Rangers started well. They led after four minutes when Washington found space down the left and looked up to see Smith ghosting through the heart of Wigan’s defence. His strike found the net despite a strong Matt Gilks hand. But QPR’s superiority passed quickly. Bogle was a thorn in their side and, when Joel Lynch tripped him in the box, the Wigan striker equalised with a composed penalty. Just after the hour, however, Kazenga LuaLua squared to Washington, who drilled a shot into the bottom corner from just outside the area. Wigan boss Warren Joyce said: ‘I thought they were two giveaway goals. We did well to get to half-time at 1-1 and that was deserved. ‘But their second goal came from our kick down the middle and we didn’t pick the ball up. We are disappointed.’ ÷ DARREN BENT’S miss from two yards proved costly for Derby as their play-off hopes were hit by a 0-0 draw with Burton at Pride Park. ‘It’s hugely damaging,’ admitted boss Steve McClaren.