QPR 2 Barnsley 0: Reds ran out of legs, admits Flitcroft

Bottom side Barnsley have been woeful at the back so far this season but they defended excellently before Austin scored from close range after being set up by substitute Junior Hoilett on 66 minutes.

And the summer signing sealed Rangers’ 2-0 win five minutes from the end, slotting home from the penalty spot after he was tripped in the area by Martin Cranie.

Tykes boss David Flitcroft insisted they are capable of improving results after the international break.

Flitcroft said: “It was probably 20 or 30 seconds of us not doing what we wanted to do which cost us.

“You can’t give Charlie Austin two inches. We said before the game that we’d have to mark him because he’s a unique goalscorer at this level. Then Martin [Cranie] doesn’t have to tackle him there.

“We defended well as a team and limited them to two chances in the first half. We kept them at bay and kept their fans low, but that first goal really gave them energy and verve.

“There were a few tired performances in the last 20 minutes. We just ran out of legs.

“We’ve got to balance and shape this squad and find out who we’re going forward with. It’s two weeks to assess things.

“We’ve got a plan to win football matches and we intend to have a really positive bounce-back after the international break.”