Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink faced a Burnley side hoping to keep pace in the race for automatic promotion in his first game in the Queens Park Rangers dugout yesterday. 

Sean Dyche's Burnley drew with QPR yesterday
Sean Dyche's Burnley drew with QPR yesterday

QPR looked solid throughout the first half and James Perch could have put Rangers in front but his shot bounced just wide of the post.

Matty Phillips then tested Tom Heaton, but the Burnley keeper came out on top and produced a fine stop with his legs to prevent QPR from going ahead.

Rob Green was then tested by a Joey Barton free kick up the other end before saving well to deny Sam Vokes from range.

In the second half, however, the momentum changed, and Burnley started to dominate.

Vokes had the perfect chance to put his side in the lead, but failed to trouble Green with his header, and the Burnley forward had another chance in the dying embers, but Ben Mee's cross just escaped him, and the game ended 0-0. A solid start for Hasselbaink no doubt.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Harry Smith identifies three things we learned in this closely-fought draw...

1) Things are looking up at QPR

Hasselbaink's arrival could provide a much needed boost at Loftus Road, and early signs hint that Rangers are already playing with much more confidence.

To take the game to an established Burnley side shows that they are clearly getting back to the form that saw them gain promotion to the Premier League two years ago.

Things are certainly looking up at the London club.

2) Charlie Austin needs a goal

Although he scored with almost his first touch of the ball after coming on against Leeds United, he wasn't highly involved when coming on in this match.

Whilst this is understandable considering the fact he has only recently returned from injury, QPR need his goals if they are going to get promoted this season.

Rangers lack a clear goalscorer.

3) Matty Phillips can't lead the line

Although everyone appreciates that Phillips is a man playing out of position at the moment, he simply doesn't have the instincts of a natural striker.

Austin is unlikely to be at Loftus Road beyond the summer, and could even depart in January, so Jay Emmanuel-Thomas needs to step up to the plate.

QPR and Burnley fans... what did you make of game? Can both sides get promoted this season? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!