Matt Smith is adamant QPR deserved more after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Championship leaders Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.

Alfred N’Diaye and Helder Costa struck early and, despite Conor Washington’s response for the visitors, QPR couldn’t find an equaliser.

Yet striker Smith feels they can take many positives from their all-round display.

He said: “We’re all a bit disappointed not to come away with at least a point.

“I thought our second-half performance was terrific.

“Wolves caused us a lot of problems in the first half, particularly down their left-hand side, and we found it difficult. They could have been out of sight. But credit to the lads for keeping it to 2-0.

“At half-time we said if we get a goal we can make it very nervous for them and that’s exactly what we did. I thought we played really well.

“It’s an odd thing to say after a defeat but I thought our second-half performance was probably up there with best 45 minutes we’ve played this season.”

After falling to their 13th defeat of the season, QPR are now 15th in the table, eight points clear of the drop zone.

Their hosts extended their lead at the top to 12 points over second-placed Aston Villa but Smith believes QPR tested them to the limit.

“You could tell they were relieved to come away with all three points,” Smith said.

“Against a side like Wolves who are used to having lots of the ball, we contained them and really imposed ourselves on them. We had plenty of chances, it’s a shame one didn’t drop for us.

“We’re disappointed as we felt we were worthy of getting at least a point on the balance of our second-half performance.”

Smith was introduced as a half-time substitute and came close to equalising just moments after Washington had struck.

The burly striker is confident his side can build on the positives ahead of their next game at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

He added: “I was pleased with my performance. I just tried to impose myself physically and hope that it could upset their rhythm, which I think it did.

“I had a chance which I snatched at, which is disappointing. We had a couple of other half chances too which had we taken, things could have been different.

“We can be very happy with our two performances in three halves against the league leaders.”