Jay Bothroyd earns Queens Park Rangers vital victory

Queens Park Rangers' hopes of survival have been handed a huge boost this afternoon by a 2-1 victory at Southampton.

© PA Photos

The visitors were ahead after 14 minutes when Loic Remy struck on the counter, beating the offside trap to lift a precise effort over Artur Boruc and beyond the late stretch of Danny Fox.

Saints had dominated until that goal and nearly took the lead early on when Jason Puncheon came within inches of sending home during a lengthy goalmouth scramble.

Remy went close again before the break with a snapshot that Boruc needed to turn round the post with a forceful save.

© PA Photos

The home side controlled possession and probed for an equaliser, which they found when Ramirez reacted quickest on the rebound to turn home from close range.

Saints had a strong penalty appeal turned down early in the second half before Julio Cesar suffered a hamstring strain after spilling a strike from range.

Rob Green was brought on but as both sides chased a winning goal, QPR struck on the counter after Park Ji-Sung won possession high up the pitch.

© PA Photos

Jay Bothroud justified his selection by scoring the winner 13 minutes from time, making no mistake to turn home Park's precise cross.

Saints peppered Green's goal in six minutes of added time but failed to find an equaliser as QPR held firm for a precious three points.