A late flurry from Rotherham United wasn’t enough to turn over a disappointing first half against Queens Park Rangers.
A goal from sub striker Freddie Ladapo closed the gap that QPR created, but the Millers suffered a second straight defeat.
Bright Osayi-Samuel and a Lydon Dykes penalty did the damage in first half added time and Rotherham never really found top gear.
The first forty-five spelled disaster for Rotherham as QPR took an early lead with a double deflected shot from Illias Chair. The Millers did respond with a Michael Smith header after a well delivered cross from Wes Harding, but then the rear guard seemed to fall apart. Samuel twisted and turned in the box and fired QPR into the lead. Then, as half time beckoned, Barlaser handled the ball in the area and Dykes increased the lead before the whistle.
The second half brought a slight improvement from Rotherham, but not enough to turn the tide of the game. Ladapo nearly scored with his first touch, then had a second attempt only moments later. The introduction of the striker seemed to lift the energy of the Millers.
A penalty shout was turned away after Matt Olosunde was clearly fouled in the box. Captain Michael Ihiekwe getting a caution for his protests. The renewed determination brought a powerful header from the captain, the ball bouncing off the post to Ladapo who tapped it home.
Rotherham tried desperately to twist the screw, but QPR clung onto the lead.
A final stab at goal was collected by Seny Dieng who ended the evening the busier keeper and his hoofed ball up the pitch brought an end to a half the Millers won, but a second game they’ve lost.
Teams:
Queens Park Rangers: Dieng, Kakay, Masterson, Barbet, Hamalainen, Cameron © (Carroll 65’), Ball, Osayi-Samuel (Adomah 77’), Chair, Willock (Bonne 59’), Dykes
(Subs not used: Kelly, Kane, Wallace, Bettache, Alfa,Kelman)
Rotherham: Blackman, Harding (Hirst 83’), Ihiekwe ©, A MacDonald, Mattock, Jozefzoon (Olosunde 58’), Wiles, Barlaser (Crooks 45’), Clarke (Lindsay 45’), Vassell, Smith
(Subs not used: Johansson, Jones, Wood, Miller)
Goals: Chair 19’, (Smith 37’), Osayi-Samuel 45’, Dykes 45+2’P, (Ladapo 83’)
Referee: Oliver Langford
The Wandering Yorkshireman 