Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway admitted a clear handball was missed in the build-up to his side’s opening goal in their 2-1 win against Ipswich at Loftus Road.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Queens Park Rangers' Luke Freeman (pic Adam Davy/PA)Queens Park Rangers' Luke Freeman (pic Adam Davy/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Visiting manager Mick McCarthy was left dismayed after Massimo Luongo used his hand before laying the ball off to Pawel Wszolek, whose cross set up Jamie Mackie as referee Andy Davies let play continue.

Luke Freeman doubled QPR’s lead early in the second half before Bersant Celina pulled a goal back for the visitors with a superb strike.

“We had a massive stroke of fortune where the referee should have seen a handball,” said Holloway. “The ball has popped up to ‘Mass’ and I think he’s just moved it with his hand. The fourth official should have seen it and should have the power to tell the referee.

“I’d be fuming if I were Mick. We (managers and officials) had a meeting in the summer and talked about game-changing moments – well, if that’s not a game-changing moment I don’t know what is.

“They should see that. Luckily for us we were able to capitalise on that and then get the second goal. Up until that point anybody could have scored.”

But Holloway was also full of praise for his team, who maintained their 100 per cent home record in the Sky Bet Championship this season, on the 100th anniversary of their first match at Loftus road.

“We defended brilliantly and didn’t give them too many chances. It was magnificent,” he added.

“The group is doing what I’ve asked them to, which is to defend and put bodies on the line. We fought to the end and I’m delighted with the way we managed to see that through.

“The lads are rolling their sleeves up. They’ve got skill and are working hard for each other.”

McCarthy bemoaned the decision to let the first goal stand but conceded his team were second best, saying: “It was handball. I told the referee what I think and what it’s done to the game. The game was going nowhere. It was just a scrap.

“We’ve lost the game and I seem like I’m moaning, but it’s a handball. The goal before half-time knocked the stuffing out of us a bit. But the defending for the second goal was poor and, 2-0 up at home, QPR are a good side. They were better than us.”