Football Review | Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 1 QPR

Madsen penalty earns QPR hard-fought point at Sheffield Wednesday.

Rangers pushed for a fourth straight league win but had to settle for a draw after second-half fightback.

Author | Paul Jones

Stadium | Hillsborough

View from the stands

Dominic Iorfa had given the hosts the lead before the break, rising to meet Barry Bannan’s expertly delivered free-kick for their first home goal of the season. But when Bailey Cadamarteri handled a Richard Kone header, Madsen calmly converted from the spot to bring Rangers level.

Seeking a fourth consecutive win, QPR grew stronger as the game wore on and forced an increasingly open contest, with both sides creating but squandering a number of chances. Karamoko Dembélé, introduced at half-time, went close shortly before the equaliser, while Richard Kone later blazed over as the visitors pressed for a late winner.

Pre match scenes

For Wednesday, the draw came against a backdrop of mounting protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri and yet another transfer embargo. Despite that turmoil, they were far from overawed. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made important early saves, and Bannan again proved a steadying influence, his delivery setting up Iorfa’s header. Liam Palmer and Cadamarteri also went close to restoring the lead after the interval.

Neither side could make the breakthrough, leaving Wednesday still without a home win since April’s 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough. The result also means that only the struggles of city rivals Sheffield United, who finally picked up their first points of the season against Oxford, have spared them the bottom place in the table.

Is this a good point?

This was a question we asked several QPR fans after the match. Tommy answered: “Ultimately, we won’t know until the Oxford match. If we win that, four points from these two matches is a good return.”

Bethany added: “Credit to Sheffield Wednesday, they played well. I actually think it’s a good draw. Even for all their problems, this was always going to be a difficult match. I’m happy with the point.”