Smyth and Kone inspire Queens Park Rangers to climb to 13th | OneFootball

Queens Park Rangers thrashed Portsmouth 6-1 at Loftus Road, climbing from 17th to 13th in the Championship.

In the seventh minute, Paul Smyth rifled in from outside the box to the top corner. Rayan Kolli doubled the lead (24.) after a break led by Smyth, and Smyth made it three from Harvey Vale's through ball (29.). John Swift pulled one back from distance (38.).

Goalkeeper Joe Walsh produced six saves to keep the hosts in control, thwarting Marlon Pack and Ebou Adams as Portsmouth pressed.

After the restart, Colby Bishop entered (46.) and Jonathan Varane replaced the injured, booked Isaac Hayden (50.), but Kolli stretched the advantage with a rising finish from the right (55.).

Esquerdinha was fouled in the area late on. Richard Kone converted from the spot (86.) and then drilled in another from outside the box after a Vale-led break moments later (87.).

Queens Park Rangers were clinical, finding eight shots on target from nine attempts with 40.1% possession. Portsmouth mustered 20 attempts and nine corners but found little joy against a resilient defence.

Next, Queens Park Rangers host Watford. Portsmouth visit Norwich City.