Routledge keeps 10-man Rangers on promotion path

Reading 0 QPR 1

Rangers played for nearly 50 minutes with 10 men after winger Hogan Ephraim was dismissed for an ugly lunge on Jimmy Kebe at the end of the first half, but struck with eight minutes left to move a step closer to promotion.

Reading had been on the back foot for the opening half-hour but rallied to create the best chances either side of Ephraim’s red card.

But Neil Warnock’s side refused to sit back in the second half and claimed the three points when Routledge capped a rare move of quality with a fine low finish.

Warnock is looking for the seventh promotion of his managerial career but was furious with the decision to dismiss Ephraim and was lucky not to be sent off himself.

Rob Hulse wasted a great chance for the visitors before QPR’s Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was twice called into action to deny Simon Church and then Matt Mills before Ephraim received his marching orders just before the break.

Warnock was furious and his side were in danger of losing their cool as several players from both sides crashed into challenges.

However, Warnock remained positive after the break and his side got their reward with an 82nd-minute winner as Newcastle loanee Routledge found the bottom corner after being released by Alejandro Faurlin.

READING: Federici, Griffin, Ingimarsson, Matt Mills, Harte, McAnuff, Tabb (Robson-Kanu 76), Karacan, Kebe, Long, Church (Manset 68).

QPR: Kenny, Orr, Connolly, Gorkss, Hill, Routledge (Hall 90), Derry, Faurlin, Ephraim, Hulse (Miller 66), Taarabt (Moen 86).

Referee: R Booth.