FAM-BUSHED
Diedhiou’s late pen breaks QPR hearts and puts City on cloud nine
FAMARA DIEDHIOU’S injurytime penalty made it nine wins on the spin for rampant City.
The big striker netted confidently from the spot after being fouled by Darnell Furlong just after five minutes of stoppage time had been signalled.
Matt Smith had fired Rangers ahead in the stroke of half-time, tapping home from close range after a Nahki Wells header had come back off a post.
But substitute Niclas Eliasson levelled on 73 minutes, latching on to a fine Jamie Paterson pass and cutting in from the right to send a low left-footed shot past Joe Lumley.
Rangers had a couple of penalty claims rejected and manager Steve Mcclaren had to be restrained when remonstrating with referee Tony Harrington at the final whistle.
Seven of the wins on City’s golden streak have come in the Championship.
This result stretched their unbeaten run to 15 games in League and cup and took them into fifth place.
But, while the home side’s play-off challenge was boosted, it was rough justice on Rangers, who played well and deserved a point. Mcclaren’s frustration was understandable. City looked vulnerable to the aerial threat of former loanee Smith before he scored. The big target-man got his head on three crosses, putting one effort over the bar and seeing the other two well saved by Frank Fielding. At the other end City’s only efforts of note came from Josh Brownhill, who twice went close from distance.
Diedhiou should have levelled on 56 minutes, but directed his header too close to Lumley, who made a fine reaction save.