Queens Park Rangers have won consecutive games for the first time in 2020 as Macauley Bonne’s late header saw them claim a 1-0 victory at Derby County.
The game lacked quality in the final third until the 88th minute when QPR centre back Rob Dickie intercepted the ball and picked out Bonne who had peeled off to the far post before heading the ball past Derby goalkeeper David Marshall.
The result means that QPR have moved up to 16th place in the Championship table, while Derby County now find themselves within the bottom three just 10 games into the season.
Pressure is beginning to mount on Derby manager Phillip Cocu as they are yet to win a game at home this season as well as score from open play.
QPR were by far the better side in the first half as Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes looked to open the scoresheet with a fine early header but international team-mate Marshall was equal to it.
Derby had a surplus of chances but were able to test Seny Dieng when Wayne Rooney ran beyond the QPR defence, however he was unable to guide his shot into the far corner as Dieng got a palm to the ball.
The Rams came close in the second half when Rooney struck the outside of the post on the 50th minute after the ball fell nicely to him on the edge of the box.
Dickie could have scored for QPR on the hour mark as he was unable to direct a ricocheting ball towards the goal after a free-kick was floated in by Tom Carroll.
The 24-year-old soon had a decisive say in the match though when he stepped out of the back four to deliver a cross to Bonne who headed powerfully to secure all three points.
Dickie was named man of the match after the game as the Englishman picked up yet another clean sheet and assist for Mark Warburton’s side.
By Cameron Anderson-Jones
