Half-Time Report: Queens Park Rangers succumbing to Everton defeat

Queens Park Rangers are succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Everton in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Loftus Road.

The hosts made an encouraging start, edging forward into the Everton half and sending a handful of crosses into the box, with Bobby Zamora looping an effort over the visitors' bar in the seventh minute.

Just two minutes later, the Toffees countered through a Leighton Baines corner that was hooked just over at the near post by Leon Osman.

Although QPR were stronger in the early stages, they would find themselves behind in the 17th minute when Seamus Coleman side-footed Osman's square ball into the top corner of the net, via the post.

Everton had a potential penalty shout turned down on the half-hour mark when Darron Gibson's shot from just inside the box appeared to hit Joey Barton's arms.

Chris Ramsey's charges then wasted an opportunity just before the break when Barton played in Matt Phillips, but the 24-year-old went for glory from 35 yards, only to slice the ball well wide.