Barton’s back – and so is goal hero Johnson
ANDY JOHNSON ended his 21- month goal drought as QPR began life in the Championship with a narrow win.
The promotion favourites had to come from behind after Atdhe Nuhiu’s early opener for Sheffield Wednesday.
But quickfire strikes from Nedum Onuoha and Johnson saw Harry Redknapp’s men scrape home.
Danny Simpson and Karl Henry made their QPR bows, but an old face was the most surprising inclusion.
Joey Barton, the bad- boy midfielder, had made no secret of his wish to quit west London.
But he took his place in the engine room alongside new team- mate Henry, the pair having kissed and made up after a fall- out years ago.
Rangers flew out of the blocks and Junior Hoilett ended a surging run with a shot that flew just over.
Johnson, back fit after last season’s knee injury, was inches wide with a deflected shot.
The striker was then denied by Owls goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.
Wednesday finally found their feet after weathering the early storm.
Nuhiu scuffed a shot wide but marked his debut with a goal after 18 minutes.
The giant Austrian saw off Armand Traore’s weak challenge before unleashing a low shot from 25 yards that crept past goalkeeper Rob Green.
QPR responded but Bobby Zamora was denied by Kirkland and Hoilett blazed over.
Stabbed
Wednesday had strong penalty claims waved away after Michail Antonio was bundled over – and it proved crucial as QPR went up the other end to level.
Hoilett’s shot was off target but Onuoha stabbed home in the 40th minute.
It got even better for Rangers as Barton’s header was saved and Johnson mopped up the rebound three minutes later.
Hoilett’s mazy run and shot was saved by Kirkland early in the second half.
But Rangers still looked vulnerable at the back and should have been punished after Jermaine Johnson fed Antonio, who blazed over with the goal at his mercy.
Wednesday continued to threaten on the break and sub Jaques Mahoma, who had a strong spot- kick appeal waved away, rattled the post in the 72nd minute.
Rangers, who sent on £ 4million new boy Charlie Austin late on, stood firm and showed glimpses why they will be the side to beat.