Paul Smyth scored one goal and made another as Queens Park Rangers beat Watford 2-1 to claim a third successive Championship win and move level on points with the ninth-placed Hornets. Rayan Kolli opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and Smyth added a second shortly after the hour before Imran Louza's late free-kick gave the contest a sudden twist.
Rangers were the better side for long spells and created the clearer openings, with Harvey Vale central to much of their best work. Watford had moments when they hinted at a response, but their attacking threat was limited until Louza's 85th-minute strike, and QPR stood firm through the closing stages to secure a deserved victory.
Rangers' early purpose unsettled the visitors
The home side showed their intent almost immediately. After only 45 seconds, Amadou Mbengue had the ball in the net, only for the effort to be ruled out because he was adjudged to have fouled Jeremy Petris near the edge of the penalty area before finishing.