Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was on target twice, including a stunning injury-time winner, as QPR got the better of Bolton in a seven-goal thriller on Saturday.
The former Bristol City man, who was making his first league start for the west London club, was leading the Rs line in the absence of the injured Charlie Austin and grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he made the all-important difference against Neil Lennon’s side.
Leroy Fer thought he had handed Chris Ramsey’s men all three points after Rangers had fought back from 2-0 down to get into a winning position, but Wellington Silva’s impressive solo effort five minutes from time appeared to have extended their winless run to five games, before Emmanuel-Thomas took matters into his own hands deep into stoppage time.
Ramsey made four changes to the team which was thrashed 4-0 at Fulham last Friday, with Grant Hall, Daniel Toszer, Fer and Emmanuel-Thomas all handed starting berths.
Rangers, who have conceded at least two goals in every home game they’ve played in this season, made the worst possible start as Bolton took the lead inside eight minutes.
The home defence were at a standstill as Liam Feeney’s floating cross from the left-hand side found Gary Madine who glanced a header home from close range.
Things got worse for the Rs just three minutes later as Lennon’s men doubled their advantage.
Rob Green could only palm away Darren Pratley’s effort, with Feeney on hand to tap home the rebound causing a chorus of boos from the home fans.
Rangers reacted almost instantly though as they pulled a goal back on 12 minutes. Chery carved some space on the left wing before finding Emmanuel-Thomas with a teasing cross in the penalty area.
Emmanuel-Thomas made no mistake with his downward header giving Ben Amos no chance as he notched his first league goal for the club.
What followed was a far more resurgent performance from the Rs, with Nedum Onuoha and Tozser both going close before the hosts made it 2-2 a minute before the break.
Matt Phillips’s cross found Fer in the box and after Amos saved his header and Chery’s follow-up, the Dutchman scrambled the ball home for his first goal of the season to give Rangers renewed belief going into the break.
Ramsey’s men started the second half much better than the first with Emmanuel-Thomas remaining the thorn of their creativity going forward.
Rangers deservedly took the lead just after the hour mark with Chery producing a moment of brilliance, hitting a sublime right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
The game should have been settled as a contest just a minute later with Phillips squandering a golden opportunity when put through on goal as he dragged his shot well wide, before Sandro, making his first appearance for the club since May, had a shot superbly tipped over by Amos.
It looked as though Rangers would be forced to settle for a point though, as Silva’s teasing run and finish landed into the bottom corner with five minutes remaining. Emmanuel-Thomas left the best until last though as he jinxed past two Bolton defenders before going on to his unfavoured right foot and striking a superb effort into the corner to cap off an enthralling contest and earn his side a much-needed three points.
QPR: Green, Onuoha, Angella, Hall, Konchesky; Tozser, Henry, Phillips, Fer (Sandro 75), Chery; Emmanuel-Thomas.
Subs: Smithies, Perch, Doughty, Luongo, Polter, Faurlin.
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