Mark Warburton was left frustrated at a lack of cutting edge as his QPR side were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round by Sheffield Wednesday.
Nakhi Wells late goal proved only a consolation as efforts from Morgan Fox and Sam Winnall ensured the visitors edged past Rangers 2-1 and got themselves into the fifth-round hat.
The Hoops had been hoping to reach the fifth round of the world’s oldest cup competition for only the second time since 1997 but once again fell short with a timid display as Wednesday took control early on and never let go.
“In the first half we felt we had more of the ball, we never felt threatened at all, we got into some good areas particularly on the far side, but we never forced the keeper into the save,” Warburton said.
“We just lucked a bit of guile and then we gave away a really poor goal, it’s a really soft goal to concede just before half-time.
😔 #QPR bow out.
— QPR FC (@QPR) January 24, 2020
Until next season, @EmiratesFACup. #QPRSHW #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/bNS2L2ruDX
“We knew we would have to come out for the second half and raise ourselves and our tempo, and I thought we did that.
“The players moved the ball well and had a good energy about them, the crowd reacted well and it felt like we were going to get the goal but we missed the big chances which ultimately cost us - you have to take your chances.
“We had a couple of big chances around the 70-minute mark and you have to take those chances.”
“We spoke about being more clinical like we saw in the Swansea and Cardiff games and to miss those chances was a sucker punch because we were then caught out on the break.”
Attentions now turn back to the league for Warburton’s men with a trip to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday evening – where play-off hopes are still being harboured by both sides.
Warburton added: “We have to go there with a positive mindset, prepare and rest well.
“We know what we will face and will want to continue our run in the league. We have the quality to impose ourselves on the game but we will need to go there and do that.”
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