Rangers lose to high-flying Canaries

TITLE-CHASING Norwich secured a 3-1 win over QPR on Saturday.

The Canaries, who had lost both games since securing an instant return to the Premier League, went ahead after 32 minutes as Xavi Quintilla’s first career goal punished a rare mistake by goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

Max Aarons doubled the lead in the second half with a far-post volley three minutes after City keeper Tim Krul had saved Lyndon Dykes’ penalty. Dykes pulled one back with 19 minutes left, but Emiliano Buendia’s late third sealed victory for Daniel Farke’s side.

Norwich must wait to be crowned champions, though, as secondplaced Watford beat Millwall, ensuring they will join the East Anglian club in the top flight next season.

The opening goal came when Dieng allowed Quintilla’s left-footed shot from near the edge of the penalty area to squirm through his hands and over the line.

Osman Kakay had gone close for Rangers inside the opening minute, firing narrowly wide of the target, but after that Norwich took control.

Buendia missed a chance to put them ahead when Jordy de Wijs failed to clear Grant Hanley’s punt forward and the Spaniard lifted the ball over Dieng but wide of the near post. Another defensive error, this time by Rob Dickie, then let in Teemu Pukki, whose mis-hit shot was gathered by Dieng.

Norwich continued to have the upper hand and Kieran Dowell shot wide and had an effort saved by Dieng, before Farke’s men eventually went ahead.

Krul denied Dykes when QPR were awarded a spot-kick after Chris Willock was barged over by Hanley.

Worse followed for QPR when west Londoner Aarons drifted away from Lee Wallace to blast in Kenny McLean’s left-wing cross in the 57th minute.

Rangers reduced the deficit with Dykes’ sixth goal in as many matches, but with eight minutes remaining McLean teed up Buendia for a simple finish.