Premier League: Blackburn 3 Queens Park Rangers 2

A sublime first-half display proved enough for Blackburn as they secured an important 3-2 win against QPR at Ewood Park.

Strikes from Yakubu and Steven N’Zonzi gave the hosts the early ascendancy before a Nedum Onuoha own-goal made it 3-0 at half-time.

Substitute Jamie Mackie netted a second-half brace to set up a nervy finale but Steve Kean’s men held on to their lead to draw level on points with QPR and Wolves in the Premier League table.

Yakubu opened the scoring after latching onto a long pass and turning sharply on the edge of the area before firing past Paddy Kenny.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Martin Olsson cut back to N’Zonzi who smashed the ball past a helpless Kenny.

Blackburn scored once more before the break to seemingly have the victory sealed after Junior Hoilett’s strike deflected off Onuoha and looped into goal.

The second half started as the first began with Blackburn in the ascendency, as Yakubu and Morten Gamst Pederson tried their luck from distance.

But the visitors were much improved and got one back when Taye Taiwo was afforded too much space on the left-hand side before setting up Mackie to drive the ball into goal.

With time running out Mackie scored again to set up a dramatic final few minutes but it was too late for Mark Hughes’ men, who find themselves on the cusp of the relegation zone.