Warburton is walking a tightrope after defeat

NOTTINGHAM FOREST go into the final game of the season in serious danger of relegation after losing at QPR.

Rangers’ victory ensured their own Championship survival. Conor Washington and Joel Lynch scored early in the second half for QPR to end a six-match losing run.

Wins for fellow-strugglers Birmingham and Blackburn left Mark Warburton’s Forest one place above the drop zone, ahead of Rovers on goal difference only.

It means the east Midlands club, who are at home to Ipswich next weekend, will go down if they fail to at least match Blackburn’s result – Rovers are away to Brentford.

Nottingham Forest keeper Jordon Smith produced a fantastic double save to deny Rangers early on.

Jordon Smith dived low to his left to stop Pawel Wszolek’s shot and when Washington directed the loose ball towards Matt Smith, the Rangers striker saw his header clawed away.

Alex Smithies also produced a fine save at the other end, tipping over an effort from Mustapha Carayol, but Jordon Smith was the busier keeper during a tense first half.

However, he was unable to rescue Forest when Joe Worrall’s indecisive challenge let in Washington four minutes into the second period. Washington fired beyond Smith for his first goal in 11 appearances.

Lynch then scored his third goal of the season against his former club to double Rangers’ lead on the hour mark.

Forest responded with a spell of sustained pressure in which they very nearly pulled a goal back through Jamie Ward, whose shot was fumbled by Smithies.

QPR boss Ian Holloway said: “It was a huge game and a game we needed to win, so I’m delighted.

“That win means the world to me. We showed we can win and keep a clean sheet.”

Ahead of their make-orbreak clash with Ipswich, Warburton said: “It will be a tough fight but it is at home, hopefully in front of a packed City Ground and it is up to us to deliver a performance.”