Ian Holloway says fantastic Diame will score v QPR, backs Hull win

Victory over a QPR side who themselves have eyes for the top six will help strengthen City’s promotion aspirations, fresh on the back of losing last weekend’s top-of-the-table clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Foul by Michael Dawson (Hull City).

A miss from Tjaronn Chery will make the headlines as Hull and QPR played out a 1-1 stalemate.

Robert Green returned from suspension in goal for QPR as Alex Smithies dropped to the bench. A draw between the two teams 13/5.

The opening proceedings were all Hull as Sone Aluko made a decision to shoot from 20 yards within the first minute, but Rangers ‘keeper Rob Green had it well under control.

Tom Huddlestone shot over and Andy Robertson and Diame were just unable to pick out Aluko as Hull dominated the opening exchanges.

Hull City: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce (Akpom, min. 65), Davies, Odubajo, Huddlestone, Clucas, Robertson, Diame (Elmohamady, min. 76), Aluko (Maloney, min. 69), Hernandez.

Phillips sent a cross-shot over and Chery’s curler was fielded by McGregor but from their next attack in the 25th minute, Rangers broke through.

A long-range shot by Tjaronn Chery was Rangers’ only glimpse of goal until the 26th minute when the midfielder’s corner was met by Austin’s glancing header. Again, a set-piece brought the goal when Dawson outmuscled and outjumped Nedum Onuoha, neither one a straightforward task, to head in Tom Huddlestone’s free-kick.

Charlie Austin provided Hull City with another reason to regret their failure to finalise a £4m deal for him two years ago.

The second period started slowly, with Hull unable to find the right pass to Aluko or Hernandez against the visitors’ high defensive line.

QPR head coach Chris Ramsey defended the way Hull scored their goal better than his side did. Holloway is also impressed by the “frightening” strength in depth available to boss Steve Bruce.

Robertson pulled another effort across the face of goal and as the game entered injury time, Akpom burst through the away defence but pulled the ball back behind his team-mates in the area and the final chance was gone.

Just past the hour mark QPR should have taken the lead.

Hull’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City will have been a big confidence booster for them, although QPR are now without a win in two having won three on the bounce before surrendering a lead against Nottingham Forest.