Bluebirds grounded by Smith’s late strike
MATT SMITH’S late goal gave QPR a narrow win against Cardiff to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1967 League Cup triumph in style.
Sol Bamba had given the visitors the lead a minute before half-time but substitute Yeni N’Gbakoto equalised after 62 minutes.
He then turned provider for January signing Smith with just seven minutes remaining to give the hosts all three points.
Cardiff rarely threatened in the first half until Craig Noone served up the perfect delivery from the left and centre-back Bamba rose to head Neil Warnock’s side into the lead.
After the restart, Cardiff almost doubled their advantage when Kenneth Zohore’s shot was cleared off the line by Joel Lynch.
Winger N’Gbakoto was introduced just before the hour mark and the switch paid off emphatically, with Rangers levelling moments later courtesy of his third goal of the season.
The Frenchman then forced a save from Alan McGregor with a fierce free-kick.
It was only a temporary reprieve for Cardiff, who failed to deal with N’Gbakoto’s corner and were punished by in-form Smith’s deflected header.
Hoops boss Ian Holloway – buoyant following his side’s third win in four matches – said: “Today, honouring the people who are famous to all us QPR people, to have them here and to come out and win, I’m delighted.
“We came from behind and sometimes you need your substitutes to do it.
“Yeni’s first goal was a great move and that gave us the impetus to go and get another one.”
The result meant it was a losing return to Loftus Road for former Rangers boss Warnock.
“If we can’t win here when we dominate like that, we’re not going to make the play-offs,” he said.
“We were 1-0 up and really should have scored two or three goals in the second half. To then give them a chance is very disappointing.
“But to get where we are has been fabulous. The lads have really done well for me.”