Northampton 2

QPR 2 (Feb 9)

RANGERS manager Ian Holloway admitted his side are now playing catch-up after dropping two points at Northampton on Saturday.

The R's were cruising at 2-0 against 10-man Northampton, but conceded two late goals to damage their play-off hopes.

Holloway said: "We had more than enough chances to kill off the game and felt we were too relaxed in the second half. To give two goals away like that is criminal. If we can't see it through from that position then it proves we still have an awful lot to learn.

"I said at half time that the next goal would be crucial and we should have got it. Our frailties are showing at the minute, just as they always do in a team when you are entering an important part of the season.

"We were very nervous for some reason and although we have some very good individuals in our side, were are still not playing like a team yet.

"There were a lot of positives today and we played some terrific football in the opening hour, but everyone will remember the last 10 minutes.

"That is two points lost and we have to get better in time for the Wrexham game on Saturday. We have a lot to work on and we were far too nervous."

Karl Connolly struck twice in the first half as the R's dominated possession and chances for 90 per cent of the game, but the failed to find a third goal to kill off the home side.

Some inspired keepeing from Keith Welch kept Northampton in the game, giving his side the confidence to push forward and they fought back with late goals from Derek Asamoah and Sam Parkin.

Rangers should have capitalised on the dismissal of Northampton's Hunter who was red-carded early in the first half for a professional foul on Connolly, just as the forward was about to strike.

Really, the R's can only have themselves to blame. Rarely have they dominated a game so much this season, but still they managed to throw away two valuable points. Rangers face Wrexham on Saturday at Loftus Road kick-off 3pm