Town and QPR share the spoils

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Junior Hoilett scored a first-half equaliser as title favourites QPR had to come from behind at Huddersfield.

The Hoops continue to adapt to life after relegation from the Premier League and may find themselves a prized scalp.

Rangers were behind against Sheffield Wednesday last week but fought back to win and they conceded first again on Saturday when James Vaughan slotted home, but Huddersfield defended well to claim a point.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp may consider his side unlucky but he is still trying to finalise his Championship squad with several players wanting away after relegation.

Rangers showed their quality by controlling much of the first half, with strike duo Charlie Austin and Andy Johnson proving a particular handful.

Joey Barton’s free-kick was headed over by Clint Hill before Austin pulled the ball back for Johnson, but Anthony Gerrard blocked superbly as the former England striker prepared to pull the trigger.

Danny Simpson then fired wide from distance and Austin, making his first league start after a £4million move from Burnley, fluffed his lines with a mishit shot from Johnson’s pass.

Austin did better next time but drilled his effort just the wrong side of the upright.

The home side showed signs of coming into the game midway through the half but an Adam Clayton free-kick from a good position cannoned into the wall and Oscar Gobern’s volley from the edge of the box was just off target.

Town would go ahead in the 35th minute, against the run of play, in a move started and finished by Vaughan, who scored twice against Bradford in midweek.

Vaughan sent the ball out to Adam Hammill on the right and the former Wolves winger slipped a pass to Oliver Norwood, the midfielder clipping over for Vaughan to score from close range.

That lead lasted only three minutes, though, as Rangers hit back through Hoilett.

Yun Suk-Young crossed from the left but Norwood failed to clear leaving Hoilett free to fire home at the back post.

After the break Rangers applied the pressure with former Blackburn star Hoilett proving the biggest threat.

Hoilett forced Town keeper Alex Smithies into a full-length diving save with a 20-yard shot which curled across goal.

Hoilett then burst forward but his powerful run and shot was thwarted by another great piece of defending from Gerrard.

Rangers almost took the lead in the 57th minute when Hoilett allowed Johnson to cross for Austin – his head now bandaged after a collision – to nod against the crossbar.

Huddersfield, though, hung in with some resolute defending with winger Hammill providing an outlet up front until he ran out of steam and was replaced by Danny Ward.

Rangers turned the screw in the last 15 minutes – and through five minutes of stoppage time – but Barton, Hill and substitute Jermaine Jenas were all denied.

Smithies even produced a super save from Shaun Wright-Phillips deep into added time as Rangers had to settle for a point.

Town and QPR share the spoils

admin

Junior Hoilett scored a first-half equaliser as title favourites QPR had to come from behind at Huddersfield.

The Hoops continue to adapt to life after relegation from the Premier League and may find themselves a prized scalp.

Rangers were behind against Sheffield Wednesday last week but fought back to win and they conceded first again on Saturday when James Vaughan slotted home, but Huddersfield defended well to claim a point.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp may consider his side unlucky but he is still trying to finalise his Championship squad with several players wanting away after relegation.

Rangers showed their quality by controlling much of the first half, with strike duo Charlie Austin and Andy Johnson proving a particular handful.

Joey Barton’s free-kick was headed over by Clint Hill before Austin pulled the ball back for Johnson, but Anthony Gerrard blocked superbly as the former England striker prepared to pull the trigger.

Danny Simpson then fired wide from distance and Austin, making his first league start after a £4million move from Burnley, fluffed his lines with a mishit shot from Johnson’s pass.

Austin did better next time but drilled his effort just the wrong side of the upright.

The home side showed signs of coming into the game midway through the half but an Adam Clayton free-kick from a good position cannoned into the wall and Oscar Gobern’s volley from the edge of the box was just off target.

Town would go ahead in the 35th minute, against the run of play, in a move started and finished by Vaughan, who scored twice against Bradford in midweek.

Vaughan sent the ball out to Adam Hammill on the right and the former Wolves winger slipped a pass to Oliver Norwood, the midfielder clipping over for Vaughan to score from close range.

That lead lasted only three minutes, though, as Rangers hit back through Hoilett.

Yun Suk-Young crossed from the left but Norwood failed to clear leaving Hoilett free to fire home at the back post.

After the break Rangers applied the pressure with former Blackburn star Hoilett proving the biggest threat.

Hoilett forced Town keeper Alex Smithies into a full-length diving save with a 20-yard shot which curled across goal.

Hoilett then burst forward but his powerful run and shot was thwarted by another great piece of defending from Gerrard.

Rangers almost took the lead in the 57th minute when Hoilett allowed Johnson to cross for Austin – his head now bandaged after a collision – to nod against the crossbar.

Huddersfield, though, hung in with some resolute defending with winger Hammill providing an outlet up front until he ran out of steam and was replaced by Danny Ward.

Rangers turned the screw in the last 15 minutes – and through five minutes of stoppage time – but Barton, Hill and substitute Jermaine Jenas were all denied.

Smithies even produced a super save from Shaun Wright-Phillips deep into added time as Rangers had to settle for a point.