Che and Co edge thriller
while Adams completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute, tapping in from close range after Jota’s curling shot hit a post and rebounded to Adams via Lumley’s back.
The fightback started in first-half stoppage time, as Smith stooped to head in Luke Freeman’s corner and after QPR manager Steve McClaren changed the formation at half-time, Smith pulled back another three minutes after the break, turning in Wells’ cross.
From then on it was a non-stop bombardment by the home side and after Camp made saves from Smith and Wells, Jordan Cousins grabbed a third for QPR, firing in from the edge of the area with 10 minutes remaining.
When Craig Gardner felled Freeman in the area, Wells stepped up for the penalty only to be denied by Camp.
“Momentum can change very quickly in football,” said Monk.
“I’ve been in these situations as a manager and a player and, as much as you try to prepare for it, you know in the second half QPR were going to go hammer and tong.”
At the full-time whistle, QPR had every right to feel unlucky.
“At half time we changed our shape, our personnel and our attitude and we could have scored eight in the second half, and I am proud of my players,” said McClaren.
“I can’t find the words to describe the first half but the second was pure joy and magnificence, and I am trying to create a team that the fans are proud of.”