Substitute Paul Smyth came off the bench to deliver the decisive blow as Queens Park Rangers edged a profligate Blackburn Rovers 1-0 at Ewood Park, extending the hosts' dismal home run in the Championship.
Smyth's superbly directed header from Ilias Chair's cross, 12 minutes from time and just seven minutes after the Northern Ireland forward had entered the fray, was the one moment of true composure in front of goal on a night when both sides wasted a string of clear chances.
The victory lifted QPR into the top half and to within two points of the top six, backing up their weekend win over Hull, while Blackburn, beaten at home for the sixth time this season and still with only one win in front of their own fans, remain 18th despite a recent surge away from Ewood.
QPR Seize Early Initiative as Blackburn Labour at Home