Neil Critchley bemoaned QPR’s lacklustre defending as Millwall claimed their first win at Loftus Road for 34 years. 

Duncan Watmore scored his first goal for the visitors before Oliver Burke’s 78th-minute strike doubled their advantage. 

Substitute Chris Martin pulled a goal back on his Hoops debut four minutes later to leave it 2-1 to Gary Rowett’s men. 

And while Critchley was satisfied with his side’s effort and commitment, the 44-year-old could not excuse the team’s defending which handed Millwall a two-goal advantage and QPR a mountain to climb. 

“The result is disappointing,” Critchley said. “We knew what we were going to face. It’s a derby game and in the week I said we needed to bring certain qualities and I felt we did that.  

“We competed well. I felt we were unfortunate to be 1-0 down at half-time to be honest. But that’s the moment that we’re in. We didn’t make the most of our opportunities.  

“And from our throw in we give the ball away and we concede a really poor goal on our behalf. I think that was the only moment they had in the first half and they scored. 

“They [Millwall] started the second half with some corners and free-kicks and we dealt with them really well.  

“But the one time we don’t deal with it they score. That was a really poor goal and that’s something we’ve got to do better at.

“If we give away the types of goals that we did today, it makes it difficult to win any game in this division.” 

But despite the gloom, Critchley saw a strong reaction from QPR in the final 10 minutes, even if their finishing was lacking. 

“I think we showed a good response, scored a great goal and the players gave their all, went right to the end of the game with lots of balls in the box," said Critchley. 

“Maybe a little bit of luck or the ball falling for us or that bit of quality in front of goal let us down. That’s the reason we’ve lost. We have to do better. It’s as simple as that.” 

Rangers are now winless in nine games in all competitions and are still searching for their first victory of 2023. 

And Critchley did not deny results need to improve quickly, starting with Sunderland’s visit to Loftus Road on Tuesday evening. 

He said: “It’s a results business and we have to accept responsibility for the results we’re picking up at the moment, which aren’t good enough. It’s clear we need to do better. 

“But I saw a team today fighting on the pitch right until the end and the supporters stayed with us all the way. 

“We have to stick together and go again on Tuesday night.”