Neil Warnock's first match as interim manager of Queens Park Rangers has ended in a goalless draw as his side failed to break down a stubborn Preston North End at Loftus Road.

Neither side created much in the final third during the first half, but QPR gave the visitors a scare in the 26th minute when Sandro gained possession in the danger zone and shot off target.

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Their best chance to break the deadlock before the break came from a free kick in stoppage time, Lillywhites goalkeeper Jason Pickford getting down quickly to smother Alejandro Faurlin's strike.

Goalscoring opportunities remained at a premium in the opening stages of the second half, but there was a half-chance for Junior Hoilett to break the deadlock for QPR just before the hour mark, but he scuffed his shot in front of goal and Pickford scooped up the loose ball.

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Preston almost took a shock lead moments later when Grant Hall's headed clearance fell kindly for Adam Reach, who volleyed just wide of the post.

QPR dominated possession throughout, but they needed a reaction save from goalkeeper Rob Green to rescue a point when Bailey Wright headed towards goal with just seven minutes left to play.

The result marked Preston's sixth clean sheet in a row and moved them up to 17th in the table, while QPR are eight points away from the playoff places in 13th.