QPR come from behind to stun Brentford in the West London derby

Brentford lost back-to-back games for the first time this season in their pursuit of promotion. Having gone ahead in the first half, QPR turned the game around in 5 second half minutes thanks to goals from debutant Fields and Austin.

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An important game at both end of the table, QPR were looking to put some breathing space between them and the bottom 3 with Tuesdays results leaving them only 3 points clear of the drop zone. Brentford were hoping to avoid any slip ups to their local rivals as they continue to bid to become a Premier League team for the first-time next season.

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The first half took half an hour to come to life when in the 30th minute, who else but Ivan Toney knocked in Jensen’s free kick with what was the first shot on target in the game. Toney scored his 24th goal of the season, and 100th league goal in his 250th match, continuing to prove why Brentford spend a fee of potentially £15 million on him in August.

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Once the scoring had been opened, the final 15 minutes of the half turned into something of a basketball match with the two teams taking it in turns to attack. Jensen brought a good save from QPR keeper Dieng from range before Barbet forced Brentford’s Reya into a save to allow the Bee’s to end the half a goal to the good.

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The second half started in the same manner as the first with shots at a premium. This was the case until the 72nd minute when Sam Fields smashed home on his debut for the R’s. The chance came about from a Brentford corner from which QPR broke and, after seemingly wasting the counterattack, the ball fell kindly for Fields who drove the ball low past Reya. Having had just under 60% of possession up to that point, QPR would have felt the goal was merited.

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Brentford, who before the weekend had been 21 games unbeaten in the league, looked like they had not recovered from the goal then failed to stop Ilias Chair from strolling into the box and laying the ball back to Austin who fired home to make it 2-1. This proved to be the last goal of the game thanks to a heroic block from Geoff Cameron in the 89th minute.

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The result lifted QPR 8 points clear of the relegation zone whilst Brentford stay 2nd, one point ahead of Swansea who have two games in hand. Wins for Norwich and Swansea will make the result hurt even for Brentford who will hope to bounce back against Coventry on Saturday. QPR travel to mangerless Bournemouth.

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Man of the Match: Geoff Cameron. Solid at the back and made a huge block to preserve the win in the 89th minute.