MARTI Cifuentes was proud that his side’s hard work on the training pitch paid off in a pressurised situation as Queens Park Rangers dragged Blackburn Rovers further into the relegation dogfight with a 2-1 win at Ewood Park last weekend.
Aynsley Pears’ 61st-minute own goal put the R’s in front before Joseph Hodge, who was making his debut after signing on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers on deadline day, doubled their lead three minutes later.
Sam Gallagher scored in the 71st minute but QPR held on. They are three points off safety, and five off Blackburn, Swansea and Millwall.
“It was definitely an important game and an important victory,” Cifuentes said. “I’m so happy for the guys who have been working hard to improve aspects of our game. To see it reflected in a game of this importance, with all the tension and at a place that hasn’t been too kind to QPR in recent years is really pleasing.
“I’m pleased for all our fans who made the long trip here, it’s an important victory for us.
“For the first 70 minutes, we had very good control. Blackburn are a good team when it comes to creating chances, and during that period they didn’t create many.
“The way we kept possession and the way we defended when we didn’t have the ball was very impressive. It was very disciplined.
“We created many chances and we probably should have scored more goals. We had opportunities to kill the game much earlier.
“Conceding the goal was a game-changer. We had to play for 100 minutes in the end and it was difficult, but all credit to the guys.
“The small margins went our way and I’m a big believer that, if you work hard and are dedicated to what you do, those small margins will go your way over time.”
Cifuentes added: “I’m very happy for Joe. He showed great commitment after being on the bench for Wolves on deadline day to come to London immediately so that he could train with us on Friday.
“He got his reward and played at a very good level during the minutes he was involved. I’m sure that he is going to be a very important player for us.”
