How Middlesbrough snatched victory over QPR

1. Grant Leadbitter's 93rd-minute penalty gives Boro victory
2. QPR's Leroy Fer sent off for handball
3. Middlesbrough go third in the Championship
4. Interim QPR boss Neil Warnock missing for personal reasons

Good night

So it was a good night for Middlesbrough, who at least temporarily leap-frog Burnley into third place and who are a point behind leaders Hull City.

QPR stay 13th, but can be caught by any one of five teams if the results go a certain way this weekend.

Hope you have enjoyed following this one with us here on the BBC, and don't forget Bristol City v Hull - tomorrow afternoon from around midday.

Until then, goodnight.

FT: Middlesbrough 1-0 QPR

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka told Sky Sports:

"I'm really pleased we won the game.I was really confident, it's not the first time he's scored an important penalty. I trust him a lot.

"It's a good test for us after the defeat against Hull, I'm proud of this team."

FT: Middlesbrough 1-0 QPR

With interim manager Neil Warnock absent tonight, the QPR players did everything they could to impress under his interim assistant to the interim manager Kevin Blackwell.

They were dogged, quick to close down and grew in adventure as the game went on.

Unfortunately for Blackwell, the fans and all connected at Loftus Road they were edged out at the end, a defeat that extends their away losing streak to five games.

FT: Middlesbrough 1-0 QPR

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The scenes on the touchline and on the pitch said it all tonight, Middlesbrough know just how important that win was - not just for the three points but for the manner in which they were acquired.

Queens Park Rangers were tough to break down and it took persistence and pressure to force the error that brought about the penalty.

When it came, Grant Leadbitter was there to finish and his leadership was keenly felt after his absence in the 3-0 defeat by Hull last time out.

Middlesbrough 1-0 QPR

Grant Leadbitter told Sky Sports:

"It was a big three points, we had possession all game and persistence paid off.

"Every three points is big, we win our home games and we keep in touch with the pack."

FULL-TIME

Middlesbrough have won it, celebrations all round, Rangers look stunned, and undeserved losers in a way.

SUBSTITUTION

Yun Suk-young off, Michael Petrasso on for Rangers as they seek a last-gasp equaliser.  

GOAL - Grant Leadbitter (pen)

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Coollness in bucketloads from GrantLeadbitter to tuck his penalty past Rob Green and seemingly snatch all three points here at the Riverside for Boro.

Leroy Fer had been dismissed for handling a goalbound overhead kick, a decision prompted by the referee's assistant on the right flank's keen eye.

Cruel on QPR, Boro feel the tension and pressure seep away into the cold night sky.

RED CARD - Leroy Fer

What's gone on here? Daniel Ayala's shot is blocked on the line but the assistant referee is flagging. And Leroy Fer has been sent off. Either way, it's a penalty for Boro and Rangers are down to 10.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Kike shoots, ball skims off a QPR player and out for a corner.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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Middlesbrough fans voicing frustration, largely at QPR's spoiling tactics now. Into added time. Five minutes.

Home side trying to work an opening, but Rob Green again smart.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

James Perch down, eating up the clock.

Middlesbrough fans don't like it. He finally gets up and walks off, having chalked off a good minute.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

What QPR have done majestically tonight is press Boro higher up the pitch, thus cutting their supply at source.

They've two and a half minutes to hold out. Plus stoppages.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Nsue scampers down the right and wins a corner for Middlesbrough.

However sheer weight of numbers from QPR sees them hook it clear but Boro continue to press.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Dimi comes out to claim a QPR corner and ease some Boro nerves.

The game has become slightly scrappy, and harder to predict if or when we'll get a goal or not.

Form would say it's more likely to be Boro, given they've only conceded two in nine home games.

SUBSTITUTION

Sandro off, JET (WHOOO-OOOH-OOOH-OOOH - sorry, Wings joke there) comes on.

JET is Jay Emmanuel-Thomas by the way.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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Last 10 minutes at an increasingly chilly Riverside.

Boro head-coach Aitor Karanka has gone for the big, comfy bench coat. Might be rueing leaving that cashmere sweater at home now...

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Rangers preparing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to come on.

Boro have got two centre forwards on now, with David Nugent and Kike providing an option up top.

SUBSTITUTION

Middlesbrough follow suit, bringing off wideman Albert Adomah and sending on Spanish striker Kike.

SUBSTITUTION

Daniel Tozser comes on, replacing Alejandro Faurlin, who has does enough to deserve a nice sit down and bottle of energy drink for the next quarter of an hour or so.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Hoops defender Grant Hall goes close with a header, couldn't get the solid connection he needed.

Boro survive and are straight up the other end to apply pressure.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Starting to get a bit niggly now.

Boro again finding a foothold possession-wise but Rangers are again frustrating them with solid and plentiful defence.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Only 20 minutes to go then.

How might the two teams freshen things up?

Boro have Kike on the bench, Carlos de Pena or Bruno Zuculini perhaps?

Rangers could bring on Jay Emmanuel-Thomas? Or maybe Daniel Tozser or Michael Petrasso?

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Ball cleared by QPR, and when Boro try to recycle, they concede a free-kick.

Rangers regain possession.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Cristhian Stuani has the ball pinched right off his toe in the box after Nsue swung in a cross.

Boro get the ball back again and George Friend's centre is just stubbed behind for a corner.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

On the subject of kits, there's a pleasingly retro feel to the Boro one. Pinstripes.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Another tidy move from Boro gives Stewart Downing the position to shoot from the edge of the box, but his effort skims wide.

Goal kick.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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Boro are finding this tough. QPR have come out with more intent, they have not parked the bus.

Neil MaddisonEx-Boro midfielder on BBC Tees

SUBSTITUTION

Cristhian Stuani comes on for Diego Fabbrini. The Uruguayan hasn't played for Boro since 3 October.

Corner came to nothing by the way...

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Yun scrambles back to clear and Boro have a corner

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Roused perhaps by QPR's response, George Friend goes close with a fizzer from the edge of the box for Boro.

He's as good an attacking full-back as there is outside the Premier League.

Reminds me of a less intense Stuart Pearce when he's flying down the flank.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Consistent pressure on Boro now from Rangers, with a corner and a string of crosses into the box.

Pendulum has swung.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Grant Leadbitter sweeps his free-kick high and over the bar. Three points in union, two in league, nowt in football sadly.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

The warning signs are there for Boro as QPR keep getting behind them.

Neil MaddisonEx-Boro midfielder on BBC Tees

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Airshot from Matty Phillips as the ball dropped to him in the box.

At the other end, David Nugent heads a cross back across the area but it's cleared.

James Perch fouls Diego Fabbrini. Boro free-kick.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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Really positive from QPR this half, Matt Phillips is looking sharp.

Dimi Konstantopoulos (should have that on a shortcut) denies Alejandro Faurlin to keep it goalless.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

By the way, what is that QPR kit all about?

As far as I'm concerned, QPR should play in blue and white hoops. Always. Unless they're playing someone else in that scheme, say Reading.

If there's a clash, red and black. That 1980s kit, the one of Alan McDonald, John Byrne, Paul Goddard, Glenn Roeder's era... that's what I'm talking about.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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Bit more open this one after half-time, perhaps Kevin Blackwell has called for a bit more adventure from Rangers at the break.

By way of evidence Matt Phillips bundles his way into the Boro box and tees up Leroy Fer, but his tame shot is held.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Stewart Downing shoots from the edge of the box and it's deflected wide for a corner to Boro.

That delivery is headed away but when Boro swing it in again, Rob Green is equal to it in the Rangers goal.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

How did QPR NOT score?!

Great ball in from the left across the box and no-one can get a clean connection, leaving Dimi Konstantopoulos with the chance to gather safely.

Huge chance for the visitors.

KICK-OFF

We're back under way.

Fans' views

Loving the lives?

If you are enjoying our Championship live text commentaries here on the BBC, then you'll be spoilt tomorrow afternoon by our coverage of Bristol City versus Hull City.

Kick-off is at 12:30 GMT, so join us on the BBC Sport website just after midday for all the action from the West Country.

What does David Nugent have to do?

If anyone went close to scoring in the first half, then it was Mr Nugent.

A delicious ball over the top had him in for all the money, but a phenomenal defensive tackle from Nedum Onuoha stole the ball away as Nugent was poised to let fly.

He then nudged Albert Adomah's ball across the box agonisingly onto the post, with the rebound falling kindly to Rs keeper Rob Green.

Get Involved at #bbcfootball

That's what injured Rs striker Charlie Austin has made of the first 45 minutes. What do you think? What needs to be done to break the deadlock? Let us know using #bbcfootball on Twitter.

HT: Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Funny first 45 minutes that.

Can't blame Rangers coming to Boro with that game plan.

The home side had won five and drawn one of their last six at the Riverside.

Rangers were quick to close down, and tireless with it.

It visibly frustrated Boro, who have been creating but have done all but score so far.

HALF-TIME

Whistle blown, players head for the changing rooms. Goalless at the break.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Alejandro Faurlin unable to create a chance from his set-piece.

At the other end Diego Fabbrini has Boro hearts racing but his shot zings beyond Rob Green's right upright and into the crowd.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

In added time now. QPR have a corner.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Grant Hall turns the ball behind. Boro have a corner but it comes to nothing as Rob Green claims it nicely.

Mix-up from the ball out gives Diego Fabbrini a chance but his effort drifts high and wide.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Ale Faurlin didn't half welly that free-kick but it was beaten away to safety by Dimi Konstantopoulos as Boro survive.

Decent hit.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Rare moment of inaccuracy from the left-boot of Stewart Downing thunders behind for a QPR goal-kick.

Rangers unable to keep hold of the ball from the restart though, although they win it back and get a free-kick on the edge of the Boro box.

Big chance to nick a goal against the run of play...

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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When teams know they're going to a strong side they sit deep and make it as difficult as possible. That's what QPR are doing and you can physically see Middlesbrough getting frustrated.

Matt LockwoodEx-Leyton Orient defender on BBC Radio London

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Tremendous defensive effort from Rangers so far, but the amount of energy they're expending must be a worry for Kevin Blackwell.

They also can't afford to keep offering Boro these openings, Nsue had so much time and space on the right before to cross.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Another good Middlesbrough chance.

Nsue is found on the right by a raking ball and a teasing delivery into the box somehow passes under the boot of Albert Adomah with the goal at his mercy.

Few groans but more encouraging signs. Aitor Karanka said he wanted ambition from his players, he's got it on the whole so far.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

QPR move the ball around smartly inside the Boro half but they're being kept at arm's length.

The disappointment is palpable when the ball goes into touch for a Boro throw-in.

Execution is lacking for both teams in the final third.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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Encouraging signs for Middlesbrough so far but they will be pretty frustrated not to have finished off one of those chances.

QPR conversely will be chuffed. You sense their best chance will be to hit Boro on the break.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Skidding shot from Sandro ends the one-way traffic going QPR's way and gives Dimi Konstantopoulos something to do.

Easy save for the Greek custodian. Boro back on the attack.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Meaty foul on Adam Clayton by Alejandro Faurlin...

Frustration or Boro's pace starting to tell? The last five minutes have been relentless.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

How David Nugent didn't score there he will never know

Mark DruryBBC Tees

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

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SO CLOSE AGAIN!

Albert Adomah is released down the right and squares across the box to David Nugent whose touch clipped the post and bounced back out again to Rob Green.

Boro are starting to impose themselves now. QPR have taken to flooding their own box with numbers!

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

I thought it was going to be a certain goal by Nugent - he doesn't normally miss from those positions but it was a great defensive tackle.

Neil MaddisonEx-Boro midfielder on BBC Tees

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Huge tackle by Nedum Onuoha there for QPR as David Nugent prepared to smash the ball home after a neat dink over the top.

He got across to block brilliantly and deny the former England international a clear chance.

Diego Fabbrini lashed high over from the second effort. Close for Boro, first time they've prised their way through.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Rangers playing a high-tempo game without the ball at the minute, trying to put pressure on Boro's midfield base of Adam Clayton and Grant Leadbitter.

Much of Middlesbrough's play comes from that dynamic and QPR have been quick to close down so far.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Murray Burnell

BBC Radio London

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With the way QPR are lining up, defensively they may have something about them tonight.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

Queens Park Rangers look well organised so far, not even the pace of Albert Adomah had them troubled on the counter-attack as they shifted to cover.

Middlesbrough patient at the moment, have tried to get their width in play in the early stages.

Coach-watch

Getty Images

Boro's Aitor Karanka is typically smartly attired, suit but no fine cashmere jumper it would appear. He's obviously getting used to the Teesside climate.

Kevin Blackwell is a bit more old-school. Tracksuit effort.

Personally I'm a fan of the zip-up polyester job.

Middlesbrough 0-0 QPR

First shot on goal of note - and it's come from the visitors.

Smart build up from Rangers gets the ball to the edge of the box, but Leroy Fer's shot is blocked and trickles through to Dimi Konstantopoulos with no trouble.

Who will be the key?

Big night for both these teams, who will be the key string-pullers?

Stewart Downing's quality will be vital for Boro, while Matt Phillips is lively for the Hoops.

KICK-OFF

We are under way!

Finely observed minute's silence

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Impeccably observed minute's silence at the Riverside from both teams and all supporters present to honour those who died in the Paris attacks last Friday.

Game on now.

Teams are out

Both teams out, bit of a chill in the air by the looks of it too.

Pitch looks neat, it's dry... no snow yet!

Travelsick Rs?

Getty Images

Watertight by the Riverside

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The formbook

BBC Sport

Five minute warning

Kick-off ticking down now...

Let's have a look at how these two teams have been getting on recently. Sorry Rs fans, it's not happy reading.

The scene at the Riverside

Listen to the game

As well as following our live text this evening, if you're on Teesside or in the capital you can also listen to live BBC local radio commentary of the game.

Mark Drury, Matthew Nixon and former Middlesbrough midfielder Neil Maddison will be bringing you the Boro perspective on BBC Tees on 95FM and DAB.

And ex-Leyton Orient defender Matt Lockwood will be alongside Murray Burnell on BBC Radio London on 94.9FM.

Unfortunately, we are not able to stream local radio commentaries of Football League games online for contractual reasons.

No Neil Warnock?

With Chris Ramsey sacked after the defeat by Derby at the beginning of the month, former Rs boss Neil Warnock was named interim manager.

However the 66-year-old will not attend tonight's game for personal reasons, leaving his assistant Kevin Blackwell to pick up the reins.

Will he be a miss? QPR were 3-0 winners here the last time Warnock was in charge.

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Charlie Austin absent for the Rs

Ouch. Seven of the Rs 22 league goals this season have come from the boots and head of Charlie Austin - but he misses out tonight with a calf injury.

Will he be a miss? Leroy Fer is leading the line in front of a tidy looking attacking midfield of Yun Suk-young, Alejandro Faurlin and Matt Phillips.

Leadbitter returns

Grant Leadbitter returns to the Boro side this evening. He has been influential at the heart of midfield, with Bruno Zuculini dropping to the bench.

There is no Tomas Kalas or Fernando Amorebieta in the defence, so Ben Gibson and Emilio Nsue come in.

QPR line-up

BBC Sport

Subs: Smithies, Angella, Luongo, Petrasso, Tozser, Blackwood, Emmanuel-Thomas.

Middlesbrough line-up

BBC Sport

Subs: Kike, De Pena, Mejias, Stephens, Stuani, Zuculini, Woodgate.

Without further ado...

Kick-off is just over 15 minutes away, so let's get down to it with some team news.

Friday night fireworks

PA

With snow and blizzards expected to sweep across Britain tonight, what better way to melt the ice than a fiery encounter between two Championship promotion hopefuls?

Middlesbrough, beaten in last season's play-off final by Norwich, have continued their tilt for the Premier League this season and lie fourth in the table after 16 games.

For Rangers, life in the second tier has not been so easy on the back of relegation last season and the departure of Chris Ramsey as manager earlier this month is evidence of the disappointment within the club at their current mid-table placing.

Form fancies the hosts, but the Rs have a good record on Teesside, winning on the last two visits.

So get your cuppa/pint/tipple and settle down to live text commentary of Friday night football under the Riverside lights.