QUEENS Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren felt his team were unlucky after their defeat to Watford in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend.

Etienne Capoue’s goal during stoppage time at the end of the first half was enough for the Premier League outfit to progress into the quarter finals, something Rangers haven’t done since 1995.

Both sides found it hard to create any clear-cut chances, with both defences remaining vigilant throughout and limiting attacking opportunities.

Despite the defeat, Rangers manager McClaren found promise in the performance, commenting on the QPR website: “We were so, so close. We’ve just got to keep that spirit, that attitude and eventually it’ll turn.

“We couldn’t have done any more. How many saves did Joe Lumley have to make? He didn’t have to make a save.

“We were really disappointed to concede from a set play, but I felt so comfortable otherwise.”

In front of the 17,212 attendance, QPR had the better of the first half chances, with targetman Matt Smith proving a nuisance for the Watford backline to deal with.

Despite being on top, Rangers were unable to make it count and it was Watford who scored just before half-time.

Following a corner routine, Tom Cleverley’s mis-hit volley inadvertently found Frenchman Capoue,  who steadied himself before striking the ball, via a slight deflection, past Lumley in the QPR goal.

Neither side were able to create any more clear chances until the 86th minute when a crucial one fell to R’s captain Toni Leistner.

The German defender found himself at the back post but under pressure from Watford defender Daryl Janmaat, he fired wide from three yards out.

“Watford are eighth in the Premier League so they are a very good team, very strong, but they only really had one chance to score so I think we can be proud of this,” commented Leistner.

“The fans were really on fire and it made it a great place to play for us.”

Rangers will now prepare for their game against West Brom on Tuesday night, looking to rectify the 7-1 demolition they suffered at the Hawthorns earlier in the season.