Queens Park Rangers secured their second victory in three Sky Bet Championship fixtures by overturning a deficit to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Ewood Park. The match unfolded as a tightly contested affair in the opening half, with both sides creating chances, but it was Blackburn’s Japanese midfielder Ryoya Morishita who broke the deadlock in the 49th minute with a spectacular left‑foot volley that left the QPR goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The lead, however, was short‑lived.
Just two minutes later, QPR’s forward Paul Smyth capitalised on a well‑timed low cross from the right flank, slipping the ball past the advancing Blackburn keeper Balázs Tóth with a calm finish. The visitors continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Irish striker Jimmy Dunne rose above the defence to meet a pinpoint delivery from Tariq Lamptey, thumping a powerful header into the net to complete the comeback. The turnaround highlighted QPR’s resilience and tactical discipline.
After the setback, manager Julian Stephan’s side regrouped, showing character and determination that saw them climb to seven points from a possible nine, placing them fourth in the early league table. Blackburn, on the other hand, saw their unbeaten run snapped. While their effort was commendable, Tony Mowbray’s men were hampered by a lack of depth on the bench, which became evident as the game progressed and the opposition’s substitutes injected fresh energy. The first half featured several promising moments for both teams.
In the 21st minute, Blackburn’s right‑winger Ryan Alebiosu surged down the flank and delivered a curling cross that found Todd Cantwell at the far post. Cantwell’s header, however, sailed over the bar. Nine minutes later, the same duo linked up again: Alebiosu’s centre was mistimed, but Cantwell demonstrated excellent technique, pulling back before striking a volley that whistled past the far post. QPR also came close to taking the lead when Rumarn Burrell slipped a pass to Ilias Chair, only for Tóth’s outstretched leg to block the attempt.
As the half‑time whistle approached, QPR’s midfielder Ronnie Edwards forced a fine save from Tóth, who had to dive full‑stretch to tip away a curling 20‑yard effort that was destined for the bottom right corner. The second half began dramatically for Blackburn. Andri Gudjohnsen’s flick‑on found Morishita, who controlled the ball and unleashed an astonishing left‑foot volley from 20 yards that flew into the top corner, restoring the home side’s lead and sending the crowd into raptures. QPR responded instantly.
Burrell, exploiting the right wing, sent in a low, intelligent cross that met Smyth at the near post. The striker’s composed finish slipped past Tóth, equalising the score.
Blackburn’s Charles made a superb reflex save shortly after, diving low to flick away an Alebiosu cross that threatened to restore their advantage. The remainder of the match saw QPR dominate possession and create several chances. Burrell’s 64th‑minute header drifted wide, while substitute Kwame Poku’s cross from the left also missed its target.
Edwards unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the post, but the ball failed to find the net. The decisive moment arrived with 16 minutes left when QPR recycled possession after a clearance and Lamptey delivered an exquisite cross that placed the ball perfectly for Dunne. The Irish forward rose to meet the delivery, heading the ball home from close range to give QPR a 2‑1 lead.
Blackburn pressed for an equaliser, and Alfie Lloyd saw a late attempt blocked, but QPR held firm to secure a second consecutive win at Ewood Park. Post‑match, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray reflected on the performance: “There are many positives.
We faced a strong side and, honestly, we managed them well. The game was extremely tight.
We had periods where we dominated, and they had their moments. The substitutions we made, like Glen Kamara and Kwame Poku, added attacking impetus and were clever choices. We knew Adam Forshaw would only last an hour, so we prepared for that.
I told the squad there are plenty of positives. If we can maintain the intensity we showed in the first 60 minutes for the full 90, we’ll be fine. The last 20 minutes were tough, especially conceding and the subsequent euphoria.
At half‑time we talked about getting a goal and at least winning 1‑0, but their subs made a difference—not a slight on the players we started with. Overall, I’m proud of how we performed for the majority of the match.” QPR boss Julien Stephan praised his team’s early dominance and their reaction to the setback: “We started well, controlling the first 15‑20 minutes with good football and solid positioning. We were quite dominant on the pitch. I didn’t enjoy the last 20 minutes of the first half; our quality and intensity dropped.
We conceded a world‑class goal at the start of the second half, but I loved the players’ response. Not only did we score quickly, but the way we played the rest of the half was impressive. Our management and the quality of the squad were evident. We scored twice, but we should have netted three or four.” The victory not only boosts QPR’s confidence but also underscores the importance of depth and tactical flexibility in the Championship, where a single substitution can shift momentum dramatically.
As the season progresses, both clubs will look to address their shortcomings—Blackburn to reinforce their bench options and QPR to maintain the resilience that has already yielded valuable points.