Last updated on .From the section FA Cup

Watford reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the second time in four seasons after a hard-fought win against battling Queens Park Rangers.

Etienne Capoue's finish on the stroke of half-time, after Tom Cleverley's mis-hit, proved the difference.

Championship QPR went close through Massimo Luongo, while Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes marked his 38th birthday with a fine save to deny Nahki Wells.

But Watford progressed after scoring from their only shot on target.

With no replays in this season's fifth-round ties, QPR captain Toni Leistner spurned a great chance to force extra-time at Loftus Road when he missed from point-blank range after Darnell Furlong's cross in the closing stages.

Watford go from strength to strength under Gracia

This was another determined performance from Javi Gracia's Watford, who had to dig deep on their way to another clean sheet.

The Premier League club have not conceded a goal in three games in this season's competition but they lived dangerously, particularly in the first half, when QPR carved out several good chances.

At the other end of the pitch, chances were few and far between.

Watford have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals without playing a home game in the competition this season

Daryl Janmaat prodded a first-time attempt over the bar and it looked like Watford would go in at the interval without managing a shot on target when Capoue struck.

It came after Cleverley mis-hit a cross, following a short corner, into the path of the French midfielder, who produced a calm first-time finish for his third goal of the campaign.

With no Video Assistant Referee system in operation, Andre Gray wrongly had a goal ruled out for offside before Leistner's incredible 87th-minute miss.

Gracia's side continue to impress.

Eighth in the Premier League table, they now have six clean sheets in the last eight league and cup games - and have Wembley in their sights in the FA Cup.

Incredible miss as QPR suffer another defeat

German defender Leistner will have nightmares about his late miss.

Sliding in at the back post, he somehow fired wide when it looked easier to score after Furlong fizzed the ball across the six-yard area.

Steve McClaren's side are left to focus on the league, where they have dropped from eighth in the table to 18th since the start of 2019 after five successive second-tier defeats.

At least there were some positives for the former England manager from his side's latest setback.

They impressed in spells against top-flight opposition.

Luongo thought he had scored after letting fly from 20 yards following Gomes' clearance from a corner before Watford's Brazilian goalkeeper somehow kept out Wells, on loan from Burnley, after Luke Freeman's ball over the top of the visitors' defence.

Wells wasted another chance after the interval which had McClaren waving his arms in the air in frustration.

It was nothing compared to the QPR manager's reaction when Leistner fired wide in front of an open goal near the end.

Man of the match - Heurelho Gomes (Watford)

Heurelho Gomes marked his 38th birthday with an excellent save to deny Nahki Wells when the tie was goalless. He might be a year older but Gomes still has passion as his celebration after Capoue scored proved

'Our fans are enjoying this season' - what they said

Queens Park Rangers manager Steve McClaren: "We're not far way. We just need the rub of the green.

"We have to keep working hard and eventually our luck will turn.

"Five games ago we were talking about the play-offs. We need to get players back from injury and finish the season strong."

Watford boss Javi Gracia: "We knew Premier League teams have been knocked out against teams from other leagues so we knew this would be a demanding game.

"Our fans are enjoying the season not only with the FA Cup but with the league as well.

"They can see the team is giving everything and the results are coming."

There was a minute's applause at Loftus Road before kick-off to honour World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who died at the age of 81 on Tuesday

QPR's worrying run of form - the stats

QPR have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions after a run of six games unbeaten directly before that.

Watford have kept five clean sheets in their last six games in all competitions, as many shut-outs as they managed in their previous 24.

The Hornets have won eight of their last nine FA Cup ties against sides from a lower division, losing only against Millwall in the fourth round in 2016-17.

Four of Etienne Capoue's last five goals for Watford have come in cup competitions (2 FA Cup, 2 League Cup, 1 Premier League).

What's next?

QPR are back in action on Tuesday when they host West Brom in the Championship (19:45 GMT), while Watford travel to Cardiff City in the Premier League next Friday (19:45).