Reading vs Queen’s Park Rangers match report: Nedum Onuoha’s late show gives Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scope for progress

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was well known for his predatory instincts in front of goal and he must now teach his new side’s misfiring attack the secret of such success to prevent Queen’s Park Rangers’ season becoming a write-off.

Nedum Onuoha became the first QPR player, apart from Charlie Austin, to score since October as his last-minute goal won a match that looked like ending in a depressing stalemate in Berkshire.

Provided a nominal compensation package is agreed with current club Burton, Hasselbaink will be returning to west London on Friday.

The former Chelsea striker has taken the Staffordshire side to the highest position in their history, at the top of League One, in his 13 months in charge.

Hasselbaink was not present at the Madejski Stadium, but for caretaker Neil Warnock this was certainly a final game managing his former club.

open image in gallery

“All I know is that I’m getting sacked tonight whether I win or lose,” he joked before the game. “Jimmy set off with a good squad [at Burton] but took them up a level, and I think he can do that here. It is a great opportunity and a fabulous club.

“The Championship isn’t easy, so it’ll be a good test for him.”

Goals are certainly a problem with Rangers and Warnock opted to start with top scorer Austin on the bench as he works his way back from a calf problem. Without him, QPR had no natural striker and looked ineffective in attack.

Out of form Reading, who have now won just one match in their last eight, looked to take advantage of the visitors’ frailties and should have gained the lead when Michael Hector, signed by Chelsea and loaned back, headed wide from Oliver Norwood’s free-kick.

Nick Blackman also missed a good chance as he dragged his shot wide from another quick break. Reading had the better of the play and went close again just before the break courtesy of Andrew Taylor’s long-range effort.

QPR had a rare chance late in the game as Austin flicked on Alejandro Faurlin’s free-kick and Onuoha headed over the crossbar when he should have done better.

But Onuoha scored an unlikely winner in the last minute as his header from Faurlin’s corner crept past Ali Al Habsi in front of the travelling supporters to ensure Hasselbaink will have ended the evening with a smile, despite his new charges’ indifferent display.

Onuoha said: “It’s a great feeling. We’ve been on the receiving end of a few late goals recently.”

Reading (4-2-3-1): Al Habsi; Gunter, Hector, Ferdinand, Taylor; Norwood, Williams; McCleary, Vydra (Sa, 80), Fernandez (Robson-Kanu, 73); Blackman (John, 80). Substitutes not used Bond (gk), Obita, Hurtado, Cooper.

Queen’s Park Rangers (4-2-3-1): Green; Perch, Onuoha, Hall, Konchesky; Sandro, Faurlin; Petrasso (Austin, 63), Hoilett (Chery, 76), Fer; Phillips. Substitutes not used Henry, Luongo, Angella, Tozser, Smithies (gk).

Referee A Madley (West Yorkshire).