A crestfallen Sheffield Wednesday were punched in the gut in the final seconds as QPR stole a draw in painful circumstances. The Owls laid on their most fluent performance since their 4-0 rout of Plymouth Argyle on the opening day, connecting things nicely and setting up attacks - though that last touch continued to evade them until the last moments.
Barry Bannan’s sumptuous side-finish crept into the back of the QPR goal appeared to earn his side a thoroughly deserved three points but old habits came to haunt them once again and a failure to clear a set piece in the final seconds struck two points from the slate.
Big strides taken in lots of ways, you feel, though the result somehow feels a sickener. Here are our ratings from a sunny afternoon at S6.
9. Josh Windass - 7
Operating from the right in one of a few little switch-ups. Started brightly, fizzing one across goal for Ugbo to throw himself at and then orchestrating a huge chance a few minutes later. Took on shots - some very difficult - and made things happen. Like a handful, he faded as the second half went on. | UGC
10. Olaf Kobacki - 7
Deft little touch to Bannan got him away early. Jinked and jostled his way into the box to force a good save on 12 minutes and was generally a pain in the soft bit for QPR until he was replaced after the hour by Musaba. Gristly without the ball, too. | UGC
11. Iké Ugbo - 6
Ballooned a great chance over early doors. Moves well and did dirty work that won't always catch the eye. Still hunting down peak performance, you feel. | UGC
12. Anthony Musaba - 6
On in place of Kobacki with half an hour or so remaining. Offered some running and a was involved in a couple of half-dangerous moments. | UGC