Championship wrap: Watford upset leaders, Swansea miss chance

Queens Park Rangers have finally been defeated in the Championship this season, with Watford trouncing them 3-1 on Friday.

Malky Mackay’s men came to Loftus Road with the intention to play football and took the game to their more-fancied hosts, who had not lost in 19 games this campaign.

A Danny Graham double proved vital as the 14-000 strong home crowd went home disappointed, with QPR missing the chance to match their 1972 side that went unbeaten in 20 league matches.

Watford – who started brightly – took a deserved lead after 26 minutes when Graham was first to react to a ball from Andrew Taylor to prod home from inside the six-yard box.

The former Middlesbrough and Carlisle United striker should have doubled his account just a minute later but could not beat QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who was able to deny Graham in the one-on-one battle.

But Graham’s miss was forgotten on the half-hour mark as Jordan Mutch’s cross sailed into Kenny’s net without taking a touch for Watford to take a 2-0 lead.

QPR would have welcomed the half-time break, but it seemed to make little difference just three minutes after play resumed as Graham doubled his account after beating the offside trap.

Watford could have gone further ahead only for two goal-line clearances from a desperate QPR defence keeping visitors away, and the hosts managed a late consolation when former Watford striker Tommy Smith bundled home with a minute to play.

But it was a fully deserved victory for Watford, who move to eighth with their triumph.

In Friday’s other game, Swansea City missed a chance to move into the top two when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Millwall.

Defender Angel Rangel had given the hosts an 18th-minute lead when he headed home fellow Spaniard Andrea Orlandi’s cross.

Swansea’s lead was short-lived, however, with Tamika Mkandawire posting an equaliser just eight minutes later.

Millwall might feel disappointed not to have won the match, with Wales striker Steve Morison missing two late gilt-edged chances.