BORO INSPIRED BY TERRIFIC TRAORE
TONY Pulis was pleased with his hard-working team as they cruised to a third consecutive win on the road.
Adama Traore shone at Loftus Road and was rewarded for his efforts with a late goal, slotting the ball under the keeper in the 86th minute.
Daniel Ayala got the first with an easy header from a corner at the back post and George Friend fired a 30-yard bullet for Boro’s second.
After last week’s loss in the final moments to Fulham, Pulis commended his players’ display.
“For the players to put in the performance and show that bit of character, I’m very pleased,” he said.
Pulis also highlighted Traore’s inconsistency, as the forward has yet to stamp his authority on the game.
“If I had hair, I’d have none with Adama. He can be frustrating at times but if he works it out, he can be anything,” said the Boro boss.
“You have a look at all the top clubs in the Premier League, they’ve all got that electric pace, all as quick as what this boy is.
“He’s starting to work out a little bit now so hopefully the penny drops and that’s all we’re asking him to do, do what he’s good at, and that’s run forward with the ball and without the ball. Once he does that, he’s unplayable.”
Traore made one great break from defence midway through the second half, beating numerous QPR players before threading the ball through to Patrick Bamford, whose deft chip was ruled out for offside.
Pulis said: “We’re disappointed that Bamford’s goal was disallowed – it was onside according to what they’re telling me.
“We played some good stuff at times and when we had to roll those sleeves up and battle when Smith came on we filled the spaces very well and restricted them to not many opportunities.”
Boro move up to eight, only two points from the play-offs, as QPR fall down to 15th, and Ian Holloway admitted his team were outplayed and gave credit to Pulis’ set-up.
“They took their chances and we weren’t quite as good as them,” he said. “There’s only one way Boro are going with my mate in charge. You look at his record and he’s been absolutely outstanding.”
Holloway’s side started the second half with much more energy and Conor Washington almost got one back for QPR, cutting in from the left and curling his shot just wide.
Massimo Luongo’s shot from distanced also came close for the hosts, as did Matt Smith’s header, but neither hit the target.
Smith went down twice in the box but referee Oliver Langford was unmoved on both occasions.
Holloway said: “I’m screaming and shouting about Matt Smith getting thrown over and they’re telling me that that’s not a penalty.”
Jack Robinson’s goalline clearance saved QPR going further behind as Rudy Gestede slid the ball under the keeper.
But the visitors sealed the win when Gestede headed the ball through for Traore to put away in front of the travelling Boro fans.
When asked if his players struggled to cope with Traore, Holloway replied: “Anybody would, wouldn’t they? My lads got around him but he’s in a fantastic vein of form.”
Rangers play fourth-placed Bristol City next week and Holloway knows he will need a stronger performance.
He said: “It looked a gulf today, it wasn’t that far, but we’ll have to take it on the chin.”