Queens Park Rangers may lose ground in their quest for automatic promotion having fallen behind against Doncaster Rovers just before half time.

The home side's best chance in the early stages fell to Niko Kranjcar, but the Croatian midfielder saw his right-footed shot deflect off teammate Charlie Austin and drift wide of Ross Turnbull's goal.

The Hoops, who have struggled to score in recent games, were dealt a blow when forward Junior Hoilett limped after only 12 minutes through injury.

Joey Barton tried to find a way through the Doncaster defence on the half-hour mark when he won the ball back in midfield, but his drilled shot failed to trouble Turnbull.

QPR were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when Federico Macheda linked up with Theo Robinson whose neat finish was too good for keeper Robert Green.

Queens Park Rangers came into the game on the back of five consecutive wins at Loftus Road.