Hull record third straight win by brushing aside QPR

Posted Wednesday, October 02, 2024 by PA

Hull beat struggling QPR 3-1 at Loftus Road to make it three Championship victories in a row.

Cody Drameh’s first league goal put the visitors ahead and Christian Bedia doubled the lead before Nicolas Madsen pulled one back for Rangers with a penalty shortly before half-time.

Liam Millar’s second-half goal sealed what turned out to be a resounding win for Hull, who seem to be progressing well under German boss Tim Walter.

Drameh put them in front after 25 minutes with a thumping right-footed drive into the bottom corner from near the edge of the penalty area after Regan Slater’s shot had been deflected towards him.

The goal came very much against the run of play, with Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur having produced three superb saves early on.

The Croatian dived to his left to keep out Sam Field’s spectacular strike and Lucas Andersen’s follow-up, before denying Koki Saito a fine solo goal by diving his right to stop the Japanese winger’s low shot.

Andersen then fired over as QPR continued to threaten, but they lost their way after Drameh’s opener and conceded again in the 36th minute.

After Andersen lost possession near the edge of his own box, Lewie Coyle sent the ball across to Bedia, who tapped in from close range for his second goal in as many matches.

But Rangers were given a lifeline when Coyle was adjudged to have handled the ball after Andersen swung in a free-kick a minute before the interval, and Madsen took full advantage by firing his spot-kick into the roof of the net.

As Rangers pushed for an equaliser, striker Zan Celar – on as a half-time substitute – headed wide from a cross by Saito, who fired against a post shortly afterwards

However, the hosts’ hopes of a comeback were crushed when Millar restored the Tigers’ two-goal lead with 19 minutes left.

Millar darted in from the left and after his shot was blocked he ran on to the loose ball and directed a first-time right-footed shot beyond keeper Paul Nardi.

The home fans’ spirits were at least raised by the introduction of Ilias Chair from the bench for his first appearance of the season.

Rangers have badly missed the Morocco playmaker, who has been on the sidelines with a back injury.

Marti Cifuentes’ side have won just one of their eight league matches this season and are 20th in the table, while Hull’s victory lifted them to ninth.