AN experienced QPR line-up couldn’t prevent Bournemouth securing a slender victory in a friendly on Tuesday afternoon.





The Cherries’ ninth-minute strike proved the match-winner, before denying Marc Bircham’s side a way through at the other end in a game starved of clear-cut chances.





Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Niko Kranjcar were amongst ten first-teamers in the starting XI, all enjoying a useful run-out ahead of Saturday’s trip to Blackpool.





Another, Brian Murphy, was first to be called into action. The Irish goalkeeper sprung himself away to his left to palm away a stinging effort from the visitors within 60 seconds.





At the other end, Wright-Phillips’ pace threatened an early R’s opener. The winger raced clear of the Cherries backline but saw his toe-poke squirm the wrong side of the near post.





Somewhat against the run of play, Bournemouth edged in front on nine minutes. After seizing on a misplaced pass amongst the R’s backline, the visiting striker lashed into the top corner from 12 yards.





Murphy was helpless on that occasion but stood firm to deny the Cherries a second goal on 18 minutes, beating away another goalbound shot from a tight angle.





Rangers twice came close to a leveller moments later. Mo Shariff’s 30-yard drive was well held by the Cherries goalkeeper, who excelled again to block Javier Chevanton’s volley from close range.





Bournemouth came agonisingly close to a second, though, on the half-hour mark. Murphy prevented the Cherries from doubling their lead, expertly tipping over a thunderous 20-yard effort.





Murphy’s opposite number followed suit moments later, clawing away Kranjcar’s free-kick as the R’s bid for a first-half leveller proved elusive.





Chances were few and far between after the re-start.





Onuoha threatened midway through the second period, heading over from Chevanton’s inswinging free-kick, who worked tirelessly alone in attack.





Three second-half substitutes handed Rangers fresh impetus but to no avail, ultimately frustrated in their efforts for an equaliser.





QPR: Murphy, Young (Trialist 74), Onyewu, Onuoha, Traore, Diakite (Skapetis 74), Henry, Shariff (Trialist 61), SWP, Kranjcar, Chevanton.



