7 7 6 5 7 6 5 6 7 6
Made a couple of good saves, particularly when sprawling to his left to deny Conor Washington. Couldn’t prevent the goal after a deflection foxed him. Very solid outing for the centre back in his unfavoured right-back position. He was defensively impeccable and even drifted forward on occasion. He never looks as solid as Sol but the captain was neat and tidy, doing the basics well. A couple of mis-hit clearances threatened to give the hosts a sniff and there was a cynical foul in the second half. Whenever QPR came forward, it was down the Cardiff left. A difficult afternoon for Richards trying to contain Washington, Mackie and company. Found out of position too often, but admittedly unlucky for the own goal. Full of running, some great challenges – you sense the Bluebirds midfield relies heavily on Ralls’ workrate. No complaints from Ralls, no airs or graces. His long throws proved largely unsuccessful, but the Ice Man was cool and calm in the middle, putting out fires. Slightly overrun in the second half by Ngbakoto. He got a mixed reception from the Loftus Road faithful and it was a mixed display from the Canadian. Ran into a few blind alleys. Slightly isolated out on the right flank for much of the first half, but his corner was inch-perfect for Bamba’s goal. A constant menace down the left, causing James Perch all sorts of problems. His teasing cross almost set up Zohore early on and has seemingly added a trick to his armoury. A more testing afternoon’s work for the Dane against the guile, experience and strength of Nedum Onuoha. Zohore acquitted himself well, drifting wide and bringing others into play.
STAR MAN: SOL BAMBA
You’ll rarely find a more physical front two than Washington and Matt Smith. But if anyone could deal with them, it’s Bamba. His headed goal into the top corner was absolutely outstanding.
SUBSTITUTES
Anthony Pilkington - for Noone (72 minutes). Didn’t have enough time on the ball to make an impact, bar one wayward shot. 5 Greg Halford - for Gunnarson (90) Joe Bennett - for Connolly (86). Subs unused: Murphy, Whittingham, John, M.Harris.
Smithies, Bidwell, Hall, Onuoha, Lynch, Washington, Goss (Ngbakoto, 58), Mackie (Wszolekat, 82) Smith, Luongo (Morrison, 76), Perch. Subs unused: Ingram, Sylla, Manning, Furlong. QPR: Ngbatoto 66, Richards 83 (og). Cardiff: Bamba 45 Darren England (West Yorkshire) 15,103