PHIL Parkinson was left disappointed by a late QPR leveller but insists Wanderers’ upturn in form shows they are on the right track.

Idrissa Sylla struck with 12 minutes to go, cancelling out Darren Pratley’s first-half header to leave honours even in torrential weather at the Macron.

The Whites skipper scored his first goal since January 2016 as he stooped to nudge a Gary Madine knock-down over the line in the 21st minute.

QPR forced their way back into the game, however, and Alnwick made one excellent save on his own line from Guinea international Sylla.

Wanderers struggled to get out of their own half for the last half an hour, their impressive defences finally relenting when Sylla flicked Luke Freeman’s lofted cross inside the post.

“It was a difficult game and the conditions played a massive part but we adapted well first half. It was a good, solid performance,” Parkinson said.

“Second half we struggled to get any quality in our clearances or a wide player get us up the pitch. So many times we slashed at things and we were under pressure again.

“In saying that there wasn’t a lot of chances for either side. We had the better ones and a scruffy, deflected goal has got them back in it.

“I feel that from where we were prior to the Sheffield Wednesday game, four points from six, we would have taken that. Of course there’s some frustration because when you’re 1-0 up you feel like you should keep hold of the lead.

“But we don’t look like a team who are short on confidence anymore.”

Parkinson also gave high praise to his two centre-halves, David Wheater and Mark Beevers, for a resolute defensive performance.

“It was a day for centre-halves and Wheater was outstanding,” he said. “Both the centre-backs were, in fact.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Wheats since I have been here but his performance today was colossal.

“Our flair players – Sammy Ameobi, Fil Morais, Craig Noone, Adam Armstrong – all struggled a bit to get in the game. But the big lads at the back were strong and Wheats in particular was outstanding.”

Ian Holloway reacted with frustration to suggestion he was under pressure as QPR boss, with his side now seven games without a win.

The Hoops boss insists there was plenty to admire from the way his side got back into the game.

“They’re probably one of the biggest teams I’ve ever played against or maybe I’m getting shorter. We knew that but well doen to them - they got two free headers in our box.

“Our players should have dealt with it but it was against the run of play, which changed us and the plan we had. We stopped doing our game plan until half time.

“I reminded them what we wanted to do and luckily, from the bench, we’ve got people who can come on and pin teams back. With a little more patience and belief, that finall ball we created would have got us something.

“But we were hitting the goalie with it. However, if you look at the stats, I’m delighted with it as an away manager. Unfortunately, the first goal we have to eliminate.”