QPR Secures Draw Against Preston with Late Own Goal

A late own goal by Thierry Small helped QPR extend their unbeaten streak to four games, as they drew 1-1 with Preston. The match remained goalless until the 82nd minute when Small's attempted clearance ended up in his own net, securing a point for QPR. Preston had taken the lead a minute into the second half through Brad Potts, but QPR's persistence paid off as they equalized late in the game. Despite lacking a spark in the first half, QPR improved significantly in the second half and created several scoring opportunities. Preston showed more intent early on, with Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin creating chances, but QPR's defense held strong. QPR's Paul Smyth, Harvey Vale, and Rayan Kolli combined to create an opening for Jonathan Varane, but his shot flashed wide. After Potts' goal, QPR pushed to respond quickly, with Smyth smashing a shot off the post. Kolli drilled a shot just past Preston's post, and QPR continued to apply pressure. Daniel Bennie and Richard Kone also had opportunities, but Preston's defense coped with the pressure. The equalizer came when a drilled cross into the box evaded everyone except Small, who sliced an attempted clearance into his own net. Preston were on the back foot, and Bennie's header was parried away by Daniel Iversen to preserve Preston's point. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his disappointment, saying, 'I feel for everyone, for the staff and players, over the past two games.' QPR manager Julien Stephan praised his team's reaction, saying, 'We were very dominant, we deserved to win the game with the chances, but we need to be efficient.'