Half-Time Report: Two goals shared at Loftus Road

An entertaining first period at Loftus Road has ended with the scores level at 1-1 between Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa.

© PA Photos

Despite starting the game well, the hosts fell behind in the eighth minute when Robert Green failed to keep out Brett Holman's strike from 20 yards out.

QPR responded well to the early setback and started to dominate possession in midfield as they looked for a way back into the match.

The home side found an equaliser in the 18th minute when Samba Diakite's cross found Jamie Mackie, who beat Brad Guzan with a looping header.

However, the visitors almost regained the lead just moments later but Christian Benteke's headed goal was disallowed for offside.

QPR had a brilliant chance to head into half time ahead, but Shaun Wright-Phillips fired his shot straight at Guzan following a fast counter-attack from the hosts.

The former England winger came even closer to giving his side the lead a couple of minutes later and although he managed to beat Guzan, his effort struck the post before Villa scrambled the ball to safety.

Stephane Mbia suffered what appeared to be a serious neck injury towards the end of the first half, with the game being delayed for several minutes as the midfielder received treatment.