QPR and Bristol City Share the Spoils in Goalless Draw

Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City extended their respective unbeaten streaks with a 0-0 stalemate at Loftus Road. The visitors, now under the interim guidance of Roy Hodgson, remain undefeated since his appointment, having secured two victories in their first two matches under his leadership. Meanwhile, QPR have gone five games without a loss and welcomed back Rumarn Burrell from a three-month injury layoff, with the player making a substitute appearance. Bristol City created the better opportunities in the first half, with Scott Twine spurning their best chance when he failed to make solid contact with a half-volley. QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh was on hand to gather the attempt, in addition to keeping out a Mark Sykes shot and parrying a deflected Emil Riis effort. At the other end, Kieran Morgan dragged a shot wide, while Richard Kone headed straight at City's loanee goalkeeper Radek Vitek. Following the interval, Walsh pushed a Twine shot away for a corner, and Paul Smyth sliced a shot wide of the near post after good work by Rayan Kolli on the wing. In an effort to spark his team into life, QPR head coach Julien Stephan made a double substitution midway through the second half, introducing Burrell and Daniel Bennie in place of Kone and Kolli. Burrell, who had made a significant impact for QPR prior to suffering a hamstring tear in January, was given a warm reception by the home fans but was unable to make an immediate impact as the visitors defended resolutely. Under Hodgson's stewardship, Bristol City have kept consecutive clean sheets and appear more solid and organized, a notable improvement from the team that had won just one of their previous nine matches prior to Gerhard Struber's departure. As the game drew to a close, both teams toiled but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. The lack of quality on display was epitomized in stoppage time when Tomi Horvat overhit a pass intended for Delano Burgzorg, allowing Walsh to collect. QPR boss Julien Stephan reflected on the game, saying, 'The season is not over, and I think the players showed that with their effort today. They tried everything, but sometimes you lack efficiency.' Bristol City's Roy Hodgson added, 'I thought the teams cancelled each other out. We made it difficult for them to get behind us, and they did the same to us. I thought we were more adventurous in the second half, and the chances that were there went our way.'