QPR came from behind to draw 2-2 with Brighton & Hove Albion in a thrilling contest at Loftus Road overnight.
New manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink named a very strong XI with top goalscorer Charlie Austin playing 90 minutes for the first time this month.
Rangers started strongly, pressing the away team and were nearly rewarded for their efforts several times with the best chance of the half falling to Matt Phillips; his close-range effort which was cleared off the line.
Brighton, meanwhile, struggled to play the usual possession game they have come to enjoy. The second period too looked like it would be all Rangers until two goals in two minutes left the hosts stunned. First, an audacious overhead kick from Dale Stephens found the net after a messy Brighton corner. This was followed by Rajiv van La Parra’s 35-yard punt skimming under Rob Green, who, in truth, should have done better.
However, instead of reeling, the hosts hit back through Austin after a low Phillips cross. Their momentum then grew as Lewis Dunk saw a second yellow for a bad tackle on Ale Faurlin. And, with seven minutes of added time, Rangers drew level through the head of Austin after latching on to a well taken corner. They were even unlucky not to get the win as Phillips hit the post moments before time.
But it was not to be and in the end, the league leaders took a point from the Loft. The draw puts Rangers into 12th and sees Middlesbrough replace Brighton on top of the Championship via goal difference.
Click NEXT for QPR player ratings
