Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway was left to rue the defensive slip that led to Norwich’s first goal in their 2-0 defeat at Carrow Road.

The visitors conceded possession early in the second half and were punished as Norwich opened the scoring through Nelson Oliveira.

And Harrison Reed’s wonder goal clinched the Championship points for the home side, as R’s suffered their first loss in three matches at the start of the new season.

Holloway said: “I actually thought we defended well for most of the game but what you saw there was unacceptable.

“We could easily have cleared the ball up to our striker and put them under pressure but the ball went straight to them and then they played through us far too easily. We should have been more switched on and covered the second ball.

“Goals change games and if we had scored the first one I think we would have gone on to win the game.

“I was pleased with the way we played in the first half and we also did okay until the second goal, which killed the game. But did we do enough with the possession we had? Probably not. It’s disappointing, but life goes on.”

Meanwhile, Norwich manager Daniel Farke was delighted with his side’s response to their disappointing 3-1 home defeat against Sunderland at the weekend.

He added: “I am very pleased with the win. After Sunderland everyone was very motivated for this game. We received some criticism after the defeat and to be fair it was justified because some of our defending was not good.

“I think you saw a lot of effort and togetherness out there and in the end the players got what they deserved. It was a good performance with two excellent goals and I also thought we defended really well. I can’t really remember QPR having a clear-cut chance all night.”

Oliveira made his mark after being recalled to the starting line-up having been left out for a couple of games as punishment for his angry celebration in front of Farke after coming off the bench to score a late equaliser at Fulham on the opening day.

The Portuguese striker was brought back into the fold after apologising for his antics and Farke said: “When I decided to bring him back into the starting 11 I told him I wasn’t expecting miracles. I just told him to go out there and work hard for the side, which he did.

“He also got his goal, which is good for any striker, so I am very pleased. It was a good celebration with the fans - that’s how it should be, it’s not about the coach.

“It was also a great goal from Harrison Reed. He is new to the Championship but he has done really well since he has been here and tonight you saw what he could do. He is a young man with a great character and I am sure he will do well here.”

Rangers will hope to bounce back when they welcome Hull City to Loftus Road on Saturday.