How they rated

Came to claim Luke Freeman’s cross on 15 minutes and got nowhere near it. Otherwise tidy but will be disappointed to concede in that manner.

LEE PELTIER

Not up to his usual standard. Repeatedly squandered possession in a listless opening 20 minutes and didn’t offer enough support for Mendez-Laing on the overlap. Paterson and Richards may soon be in contention.

SEAN MORRISON (CAPT)

Opted to hoof clear rather than pick a pass at times, which frustrated the crowd. But his positioning at the back was exemplary.

SOL BAMBA

Out-jumped by Matt Smith for the opening goal in an awful mix-up with Etheridge as the QPR frontman headed into an empty net. But made amends before half-time with a lethal header from Ralls’ corner and some crunching tackles.

JOE BENNETT

Back in the side following injury and those links to Fulham but looked a little jittery early on. But he’s the most natural left-back in Cardiff’s squad

ARON GUNNARSSON

Bailed out an uncharacteristically wobbly back four with some classic Gunnarsson tackles. Appears to be relishing the more withdrawn role he can now play thanks to the addition of Damour to the midfield.

JOE RALLS

Another tidy game, building on his super showing at Wolves. His delivery from corners was rewarded with Bamba’s header and the 23-year-old showed the odd classy touch to shimmy away from opponents in midfield.

LOIC DAMOUR

A very busy performance from the Frenchman in the No.10 role. Some of his interplay with Hoilett and Mendez-Laing was brilliant to watch and his hunger to win the ball back was immense.

NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING

He’s had the beating of every defence he’s faced this season and QPR were no different. Was denied by a superb Smithies save just before the break and rattled the crossbar shortly after it.

KENNETH ZOHORE

The Dane’s brilliant pressing forced Nedum Onuoha into that fatally short back-pass which Hoilett rebounded into the net. His physical hold-up play was too much for QPR at times - but for some reason he can’t score at the moment!