Mark Warburton has claimed that his QPR side's 3-0 defeat to Cardiff on Wednesday night was a 'smash and grab' victory for the hosts.

The Welsh side were effective on the break, and despite having hardly any of the ball they were able to get through Warburton's side with ease on several occasions.

However, QPR did have chances of their own, and quite a few of them. They hit the woodwork twice and will probably be wondering how they didn't score at least one goal in the Welsh capital.

Warburton claimed it was a smash and grab performance from Cardiff and that if you don't get your rewards then you end up paying the price.

Quoted by Wales Online, Warburton said: "I'm never disrespectful in terms of how teams play, you play to your strengths and Cardiff are very good at what they do. We spoke about set pieces and the threat of Flint, Morrison, Paterson and Glatzel and to concede like that.

"I thought we played well, hit the post and created chances. I thought we looked very good and then the sucker punch, you feel like you have your pocket picked just before half-time.

"If you don't get your rewards then you pay the price. And tonight, it felt like a smash and grab if I'm honest."

The Verdict

It was quite an interesting game of football, and one that was staggering in terms of the way it went. The R's had several efforts on goal but couldn't take them, and in the end if you don't score you're always at risk of losing the game.

It'll be interesting to see how they respond against a strong Blackburn side on Saturday, who I'm sure will be very up for it having just seen the R's concede five goals in two matches.

Warburton has to ensure his side pick up their first clean sheet of the season soon, otherwise the defensive play may halt their improvement.

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