Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

It seemed inevitable that Neil Warnock would eventually come up against what is often described as a 'controversial refereeing decision' and so it proved last night, when a debatable sending-off and a late penalty resulted in a 1-0 defeat for QPR at Reading.

What was surprising though was the manager's remarkably calm, almost philosophical reaction to the red card for defender Damion Stewart (pictured above) and Gylfi Sigurdsson's 85th minute spot-kick which separated the sides. Maybe it is a reflection of Warnock's increasingly relaxed approach to the game as he reaches the twilight years of his career - remember that his final instruction to his players prior to his first game against West Bromwich Albion was for them to smile and enjoy themselves. Also, even Warnock must be aware of his reputation for referee-baiting and so most likely doesn't want to run off in fits of anger every time he comes up against a vaguely questionable decision.

It was also probably a reflection of QPR's performance because there remained much to be hopeful about, particularly that Rangers were able to control large chunks of the game even with ten men and especially before going a man down, had numerous clear-cut chances to take the lead.

Stewart was booked for a 50-50 clash with Reading's Shane Long but walked on 44 minutes for a challenge on the Royals' keeper, Adam Federici, as he attempted to make a clearance. After re-organising the team to a 4-5-1 formation, with Tamas Priskin playing as a lone striker, Warnock's Rangers were able to hold on until the 85th minute when full-back Matt Hill felled Sigurdsson in the box and the in-form midfielder went on to score from the spot.

Warnock, however, though unhappy with Stewart's first yellow, wasn't too displeased with either of the key decisions.

He said: "You can say that the red card cost us. We defended really well. Damion's first booking is never a booking in a million years. He never took his eye off the ball.

"But the second one was his own fault. What was the goalkeeper going to do other than kick the ball? He must have launched a 100 kicks tonight so it was silly and he let his mates down."

Of the penalty, he said: "At Liverpool, it's a penalty. At Reading, it's a penalty.

"If you leave your foot out as a defender, you are inviting the foul. I thought it was the wrong decision but 90% of referees would give it. But we had four or five opportunities when we could have gone down and you wonder whether I have to coach my players to go down."

After describing this Rangers squad as the most talented collection of players he has worked with coming into the game and with another fierce challenge ahead this weekend as ex-Hoops manager Paulo Sousa brings his Swansea side to Loftus Road, Warnock remained confident about his team's progress. Compared to what came before, seven points from 12 is not a bad return and it leaves the Hoops six points off the relegation area.

"You don't often come to Reading and out-play them but we did and I have learned a lot about the players tonight," said Warnock.

The learning curve continues on Saturday. More on that game and Rangers' preparations to come.

Reading - Federici, Mills, Ingimarsson, Bertrand, Griffin, Tabb, McAnuff, Kebe, Sigurdsson, Howard (Rasiak 61), Long (Church 67)

Subs not used - Hamer, Khizanishvilli, Gunnarsson, Matejovsky, Robson-Kanu 

Goals - Sigurdsson (85) 

Bookings - Rasiak 

QPR - Ikeme, Stewart, Gorkss, Connolly, Hill, Leigertwood, Faurlin, Ephraim, Taarabt (Ramage 80), Simpson, Priskin (German 87)

Subs not used - Cerny, Borrowdale, Buzsaky, Cook, Vine 

Bookings - Stewart, Connolly, Hill, Leigertwood, Faurlin 

Red cards - Stewart (two bookings) 

Referee - Mr G Ward 

Attendance - 16,886