QPR began well, but ultimately slipped to 3-0 loss to Boro on Saturday

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis believes the first goal was crucial in his side’s 3-0 win at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship on Saturday.

The Rs dropped points in the league for the first time in 2018, though had started the brighter of the teams at Loftus Road.

It was Boro who took the lead though in the 24th minute, with Daniel Ayala heading home from a corner.

George Friend then doubled the visitors’ lead 10 minutes later with a stunning effort from distance.

Middlesbrough then wrapped up the win in the 85th minute when Adama Traore netted from close range.

And Pulis was pleased his team overcame at slow start against the Rs to triumph in west London.

“The first 15 minutes, QPR caused us problems. We didn’t look settled, we kept giving the ball away and there were breakdowns in our half,” he told the Middlesbrough website.

“Once we got through that and got the goal, I thought we looked the team that was going to go on and win the game.”