We just needed more guile or a spark from somewhere

De Canio recalled the reason for the game being played last night and dedicated the win to Ray Jones whose tragic death had seen the game called off in August. "This is a result the lads really wanted for Ray," he said. "He's remembered by everyone at the club with great fondness and this result is for him. It's for him and the fans who made the long trip up from London."

The new manager was pleased with his team's performance and added: "It was a demonstration that when we play to the best of our ability we can beat anyone. I am very pleased for the players and the supporters.

"We fought well, as we did at Scunthorpe on Saturday. Tactically we were very impressive and that is very encouraging. Togetherness has never been an issue, but it was nice when the players ran towards me, it means a great deal to me."

Owen Coyle having seen his Burnley side lose for the first time said: "We are all learning and it was a harsh lesson. We have been in football long enough though to know there will always be that kick in the teeth.

"We carried the fight and just needed more guile or a spark from somewhere because if we had equalised I truly believe we would have gone on to win it. The game was there to win and we did have opportunities to score goals.

"We got caught with the set play, but I thought from 1-0 we forced the game and had numerous decent opportunities. We had corner after corner, fourteen in the second half, but it wasn't to be.

"We got caught out when Gabor went up near the end. Such is the spirit that he wanted to go up for the corner and try to salvage something. He nearly scored from the first corner and we paid the price for a slack pass for the second goal.

"I don't think the bounce of the ball went for us and I have to say I don't think we achieved the standards we set recently in passing and receiving the ball. The effort was fantastic, but this was our sixth game in seventeen days and there will be no criticism.

"We will take the kick in the teeth, and that's what it was. All credit to QPR because they worked hard and kept their shape and made it difficult for us, but we will learn the lesson and hopefully come back stronger."

He was asked if he felt naming the same starting line up for six successive games had been a contributing factor he added: "I think it was probably evident that the fight and spirit was there in abundance, but we weren't as fluent or quick as we have been so maybe we have to look at that. We will take it on bard and look to get legs rested up so we can be as nice and bright against Preston as we have been."

Coyle also had bad news to report regarding injuries, particularly Clarke Carlisle who came off just three minutes into the second half. "I would think Clarke will be alright in the long term, but he certainly won't be alright for Saturday. He knew his hamstring had gone straight away, but Chris McCann went back in there and showed what a fantastic player he is."

To add to the worries Alan Mahon also suffered a hamstring injury but Coyle said: "If people are missing it provides others with an opportunity to say 'you know what, I am the guy to stay in the team'. That's the way it will be. We showed continuity of selection in recent games and football being football things always have to change. It is just important that whoever comes in is ready."