QPR 0-0 Preston: Points shared at Loftus Road

QPR showed signs of improvement under interim manager Neil Warnock but were unable to find a way past a stubborn Preston side in a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

It was Preston's sixth consecutive clean sheet, while Rangers have now won just two of their last 11 league matches and although the hosts started well, having failed to break the deadlock, they ran out of steam.

Charlie Austin and the recalled Sandro had their best efforts on goal in a first half they largely dominated.

Sandro fired over after creating space for himself with a cheeky piece of skill to get away from Daniel Johnson.

And Austin shot wide of the near post after exchanging passes with Junior Hoilett, who was given a starting place by Warnock - one of a number of changes made by the interim boss.

Former Rangers manager Warnock, back at the helm following this week's sacking of Chris Ramsey, also restored Leroy Fer to the side and moved Karl Henry to right-back in place of the suspended James Perch.

Preston threatened in the final minutes of the first half and Joe Garner volleyed over after sneaking behind Henry to meet Paul Gallagher's cross.

The visitors also had a sight of goal soon after the break when Grant Hall's weak clearing header fell to Adam Reach, who sliced wide.

Having played with energy and passed the ball nicely in the first half, Rangers found the going far tougher in the second as Preston allowed them much less time on the ball.

Warnock responded by sending on another forward in Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, but his team still struggled to create clear-cut chances.

In fact North End might have snatched a late winner had Rob Green not produced a fine save late on as the Rangers keeper showed excellent reflexes to keep out Bailey Wright's glancing near-post header from Gallagher's corner.

It was another frustrating afternoon for the home fans, who turned on Ramsey in the former Tottenham man's final weeks as head coach.

Preston on the other hand looked strong and composed as they kept their 22nd clean sheet of 2015.