'˜We must take our chances' says Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom

Josh Scowen’s long-range strike against his former club gave Rangers a 1-0 victory at Loftus Road, where they played the final 19 minutes with 10 men after Ryan Manning was sent off.

They defended resolutely and Conor Washington and substitute Bright Osayi-Samuel had chances to double the lead.

“When we were on top we couldn’t capitalise and that’s what costs you. That’s been our season,” said Heckingbottom, whose side are just a point clear of third-bottom Hull.

“QPR had a spell in the second half where they got some momentum and I thought that was the only spell in the game where they won the duels. They managed to score in their spell and we didn’t in ours.

“Sometimes it’s hard against 10 men. You saw that most of our chances came in the first half when we found space.

“In the last 20 minutes, when they had 10 men, they killed the space and it was difficult and credit to QPR as they defended well.

“That’s what this league is. It’s a harsh league and we’re where we are because that game was a reflection of our season – we’ve been on top and created chances and not taken them.

“In most games we’ve given minimal chances away but there are ruthless players who can kill you.”

Queens Park Rangers: Smithies, Perch, Onuoha, Lynch, Wszolek, Cousins (Manning 67), Scowen, Freeman, Robinson, Smith (Samuel 79), Washington (Bidwell 90). Unused substitutes: Ingram, Baptiste, Eze, Oteh.

Barnsley: Townsend, Yiadom, Mills, Lindsay, Pinillos (Mahoney 80), Moncur, Gardner, Joe Williams, Hammill (Hedges 68), Bradshaw, Moore (McBurnie 68). Unused substitutes: Davies, Mallan, Pearson, Thiam.

Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).