Thrashed 3-0 at Sheffield United on their only previous

Championship away day, Queens Park Rangers were under pressure

to show their class on the road.

They began as though they meant business, dictating the

tempo of the game and winning the midfield battle.

Argentina whizz kid Emmanuel Ledesma almost put the visitors

in front on eight minutes, forcing his way in front of City

captain Louis Carey to meet Daniel Parejo's cross with a

first-time shot which flashed just wide.

Rangers went ahead 10 minutes later. Damion Stewart's lofted

through-ball was chested down by Dexter Blackstock, who beat of

challenges from Carey, Liam Fontaine and Adriano Basso to hook

the ball in from eight yards.

City needed a response, and it came in the 25th minute.

Brian Wilson did well to keep the ball in play and sent over a

pinpoint cross which eluded Gavin Mahon and presented Dele

Adebola with the opportunity to volley home his second goal of

the season from close range.

After the break, Rangers were reduced to 10

men on 51 minutes, Ledesma lunging at Jamie McAllister on the

touchline to earn a second yellow card.

Injured in the incident, McAllister made way

for centre-back Andy Webster with Fontaine switching to left

back.

Thereafter, City dominated possession without

being able to break down QPR, who sought to protect their

point.

Nicky Maynard volleyed over, Adebola was off

target with a snap snot and Michael McIndoe’s effort from long

range was saved by Radek Cerny.

Johnson brought on midfielder Gavin

Williams and winger Ivan Sproule in search of a winner and City

nearly grabbed victory three minutes from time when Cerny

made a great save to keep out Abebola's header.