QPR 1-0 Preston

Dexter Blackstock's brilliant volley lifted QPR's survival hopes and dented Preston's bid for promotion.

Blackstock broke the deadlock after 51 minutes, controlling Marc Nygaard's pass on his chest before firing in his 11th goal of the season.

England striker David Nugent wasted an early chance to put Preston in front when he shot wide from eight yards.

QPR keeper Lee Camp denied Danny Dichio, while Blackstock saw a late effort saved by Andy Lonergan.

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QPR manager John Gregory:
"Dexter's goal was probably worthy of a slightly better setting and a slightly better game.

"His goal was truly outstanding, and his first touch was sublime. To score 11 goals in a struggling team is a very commendable effort.

"The hardest thing is to settle everyone down, because there is still a lot of work to be done.

"Saturday's defeat by West Brom was a massive punch on the nose, but it shows the character that we have in the dressing room."

Preston boss Paul Simpson:
"QPR have been one of the whipping boys for the promotion-chasing sides this season, but we could not do it tonight.

"As a group of forwards, we did not have the quality.

"We've not done ourselves any favours by losing at Leeds and here, and we have to win six out of six to reach automatic promotion," he said.

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QPR: Camp, Mancienne (Kanyuka 46), Stewart, Cullip, Bignot, Ainsworth, Lomas, Bolder, Cook (Ricketts 46), Blackstock, Nygaard, Ricketts (Smith 83).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Furlong.

Booked: Cullip, Bolder.

Goals: Blackstock 51.

Preston: Lonergan, Alexander, St. Ledger, Chilvers, Hill (Wilson 78), Songo'o (Agyemang 62), Whaley (Dichio 75), Sedgwick, Pugh, Nugent, Ricketts.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Nowland.

Booked: St. Ledger.

Att: 11,910

Ref: K Stroud (Hampshire).