A powerful strike from Chris Brunt has given West Bromwich Albion a 1-0 lead at the break from their trip to Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.
Neither side created much in the way of clear goalscoring opportunities during the opening exchanges of a match that was delayed by 15 minutes due to traffic outside Loftus Road.
However, with 29 minutes played, the visiting Baggies broke the deadlock. Skipper Brunt was afforded too much time 30 yards from goal and his rising shot proved to be too powerful for Robert Green in the home net.
Steve Clarke's side almost doubled their advantage three minutes later, but James Morrison's lofted effort from the edge of the area just missed the target.
It took hosting QPR some time to play their way into the encounter, but when they did, they almost levelled proceedings with 38 minutes played. Adel Taarabt had the effort from distance, but his curling free kick went a couple of inches wide of the upright.
Liam Apicella
