QPR continued their progress towards a place in the Premier League with a determined 3-0 win at Middlesbrough. "It was difficult early on and we couldn't quite get on the ball but we get better as the game went on," said Rangers boss Neil Warnock, who celebrates a year in charge next week.

"We got a break with the first goal because it took a deflection but we've those go against us at times so we won't complain. And we still worked hard for it.

"The second goal was fabulous, the whole move was fabulous. In fact we played some good stuff today and it is a bonus when you do that.

"I've been delighted with the determination the team have shown and their willingness to put their bodies on the line when they have too. At times there has been a real Northern grit in this Southern team.

"But I've told the lads that they should be playing with a smile on their faces because we have the right recipe here now. We have the grit to battle when we need to but we have the ability to win games well too. You don't get many moments in football when it comes together like that.

"We're not getting carried away because we have a long way to go, six home games and six away, but if we can keep getting that consistency and keep getting results in games like this, then we are well on the way."

Boro boss Tony Mowbray felt his team matched the Championship leaders in all but finishing.

"I didn't feel we were out-classed," he explained. "They are a good side but for long spells, especially in the first half, we more than matched them. For an hour it was a decent performance.

"It turned out to be a disappointing afternoon but it could have been very different. Scott McDonald had a good chance in the first minute and had that gone in, who knows.

"But they are a hard team to play against. They attack with four players, four good players, but the rest defend very well and they hold a high line. It is hard to get behind them. What they do, they do well and that's why they are where they are.

"So we are disappointed - but we haven't had too many results like that of late. It's the first time we have lost by more than one goal since I came here. We have take it on the chin, learn from it and bounce back on Tuesday against Nottingham Forest."