Queens Park Rangers 1 - 0 Bristol City: Karl Henry nets winner as QPR end season with win over Bristol City

Posted Sunday, May 08, 2016 by PA

Karl Henry scored a superb winner as QPR ended their season with a 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Loftus Road.

Henry, whose contract expires this summer, struck in the 64th minute, curling a right-footed b shot from near the edge of the penalty area beyond goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell and into the top corner of the net.

It was only the midfielder's second goal during his three-year spell at Loftus Road, and it came after his team had been denied by two goal-line clearances in a matter of seconds in the first half.

Clint Hill met Alejandro Faurlin's 41st-minute corner at the far post with a looping header that was headed off the line by Aaron Wilbraham.

Ben Gladwin retrieved the loose ball, evaded a challenge and teed up Grant Hall, whose close-range shot was blocked on the line by Nathan Baker.

Earlier, Conor Washington saw a scuffed shot saved by O'Donnell, who also kept out a firmer strike from Nasser El Khayati.

Faurlin, who along with veteran defender Hill was also playing in his final match before his contract expires, then sent a free-kick over.

At the other end, Lee Tomlin curled an effort wide, and Jonathan Kodjia was denied by Hall's block after cleverly turning away from Hill.

Kodjia did manage to evade Hall nine minutes before the break to get through one-on-one with Matt Ingram, but the Rangers keeper saved with his legs.

And in the final seconds of the half, Tomlin's shot deflected off Henry and bounced b on to b the top of the crossbar.

City made a bright start to the second period, with Kodjia firing wide after R's youngster Cole Kpekawa had given the ball away, before Tomlin's free-kick flashed narrowly wide of the near post.

But it was Henry who broke the deadlock - and he was then arguably fortunate not to concede a penalty when he wrestled Kodjia to the ground in the area.

It was City's turn to ride their luck when Sebastian Polter went close to doubling Rangers' lead with 12 minutes remaining.

The German fired against the post from 20 yards soon after coming on as a substitute for striker Washington, who has yet to score for QPR since his January move from Peterborough.

City also went close to scoring late on when Scott Golbourne shot just wide of the target, while Rangers captain Nedum Onuoha headed wide from a cross by Faurlin.

QPR end the season 12th in the Sky Bet Championship table, with City 18th. b