Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Preston: Paul Smyth strikes equaliser in comeback for 10-man QPR

by | Sep 19, 2026 | Sports

Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Preston: Paul Smyth strikes equaliser in comeback for 10-man QPR

Queens Park Rangers secured a dramatic comeback in a Championship match, equalizing in the final minute to earn a 2-2 draw against Preston North End.

Johnny Kenny, a recent signing from Celtic making his Preston debut, provided the visitors with an impressive start. He opened the scoring just 64 seconds into the match following a mistake by QPR captain Jimmy Dunne, then doubled the lead in the 26th minute after Stan Mills created space in the Rangers penalty area. Preston appeared to be in complete control, particularly after Dennis Cirkin received a red card for a challenge on Leo Leroy in the 15th minute, leaving the home side to defend with 10 players. Jason Euell, the caretaker manager placed in charge following Paul Heckingbottom’s recent sacking, oversaw what appeared to be a comprehensive performance from his struggling side, which had won only one of their previous seven matches.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, QPR mounted a persistent offensive in the second half. The hosts created numerous chances, with Rangers’ supporters providing vocal support throughout. Kwame Poku reduced the deficit in the 66th minute with his first goal for the club, striking a low shot from the edge of the penalty area after Jimmy Dunne was crowded out attempting to flick on a long throw.

As the match reached its conclusion, both teams came close to decisive moments, with the ball striking the woodwork on multiple occasions. Paul Smyth secured the equalizer with a 20-yard effort in the 90th minute, denying Preston what would have been a significant result in their first match under interim management. Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen made a final save to deny Nicolas Madsen in stoppage time.

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