Magilton points to character

Magilton: Delighted with showing

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Jim Magilton was full of praise for QPR's character after they battled back from two goals down to claim a 4-2 away win at Derby.

Goals from Paul Dickov and Robbie Savage put the Rams two-nil in front with 36 minutes played, despite a lively display from the visitors.

Adel Taarabt's free-kick proved decisive and they pressed home their quality in the second half thanks to goals from Gavin Mahon, Jay Simpson and Akos Buzsaky.

Magilton has conceded parts of his team's performance were not up to scratch, however, he believes they ran out worthy winners at Pride Park.

"Parts of our play were very, very good, other bits and pieces weren't so - but how can I fault the lads after that?" explained Magilton.

Switched off

"We switched off for both of their goals. The first goal we conceded was a schoolboy one, the second was good execution from the free-kick.

"But our goal just before half-time was crucial and we're playing with great confidence and that showed in the second half when we were absolutely

magnificent.

"We were top class for long periods in the half and we ran out worthy, worthy winners.

"I've no idea where this form will take us," he added when asked whether the Rs can secure their Premier League return this season.

"I'm very much a manager that deals with it game by game but I'm delighted with the direction we're heading in.

"Our progression has been steady. We've skipped under the radar which is fabulous, but we're a very grounded group and we won't be letting a result like this get us too carried away."

Critical things

Nigel Clough admits that conceding before half-time and just after the interval proved hammer blows his side failed to recover from.

"There were two critical things, conceding just before half-time and then again in the 46th minute," said Clough.

"When we were 2-0 up it was important that we got to half-time and then kept it tight for 10 minutes in the second half but we could do neither.

"For the free-kick that led to their first goal, we should not be giving them away in that position and then the ball should not have gone around the wall at that height. For the second goal the two centre-halves were sleeping in the 46th minute.

"I thought they played extremely well, you saw a side full of confidence who have scored four goals in their last three games and everyone wanted the ball.

"But we gave the ball away far too much all over the place."