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Paul Smyth's 65th-minute equaliser was QPR's first shot of the game Paul Smyth capitalised on a dreadful error by keeper Max O'Leary to score a stunning goal as a resurgent QPR denied dominant Bristol City victory at Ashton Gate. Smyth showed great composure to finish into an empty net from more than 40 yards out on the right touchline after O'Leary bizarrely raced out from his goal to try to intercept the ball as Rangers counter-attacked following a City corner. The equaliser, which earned the lowly visitors their 12th point in a six-game unbeaten run, came just five minutes after the hosts had taken the lead through second-half substitute Scott Twine's sublime free-kick. Twine curled home a glorious 20-yard effort with his first touch to finally reward City's utter dominance. But Smyth's brilliant effort derailed the home momentum and ensured the Robins have secured just five points in the past six Championship games. Relive Saturday's Championship action City should have been out of sight after a first half which saw Rangers fail to register a shot on target, or any crosses and touches in the home side's penalty box. The outstanding Anis Mehmeti was the biggest threat and almost scored with a rasping early half-volley that grazed the outside of the post. And Mehmeti, Yu Hirakawa and Max Bird all impressed as City continued to boss the midfield. Mehmeti skied a volley over the bar from Zak Vyner's cross, Bird failed to connect fully with an 18-yard strike and Nahki Wells had a header cleared off the line by Sam Field. The pressure told after the break as Twine's right-foot strike earned a richly deserved lead on the hour, and Wells almost made it 2-0 with a header that went narrowly wide after a defensive blunder. But O'Leary's gaffe gifted Smyth the chance to earn Rangers a point, with neither side able to grab a winner in an increasingly open final phase. Bristol City boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: "I can't question the lads' attitude, being all in on the way we work, but what the (coaching) staff can't do is put it in the net for them. "The lads know that if we want to move away from being a mid-table Championship side and push (on), we have to step up in those moments. "The free-kick was a moment of quality worthy of winning the game, it was outstanding. "Then to concede so quickly after, and such a ridiculous goal, is hugely frustrating. " QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes: "I learned a new English expression this week, which was to 'grind it out' and that's what my team did today. "The first-half display was not good enough against one of the best sides in the league when it comes to energy and counter-attack. "Paul Smyth works so hard for the team on and off the ball so it was great to see him get his goal. "I thought he might have gone down under the goalkeeper's challenge, which would have brought a red card, but he was honest in keeping his feet and it was not an easy finish. " This video can not be played Liam Manning speaks after Bristol City drew 1-1 at home to QPR. Image: Getty Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 14th December 2024 at 17: 20 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Liam Manning Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Martí Cifuentes Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Liam Manning Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Martí Cifuentes Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Championship All competitions All competitions All competitions After winning six consecutive league games against QPR between 2018 and 2020, Bristol City have since won just two of their last seven such matches against the London side (D1 L4). QPR have won each of their last four away league games against Bristol City after failing to win any of their prior 10 such matches (D4 L6). Bristol City have lost just two of their last 14 home league games (W7 D5), keeping seven clean sheets in that run, including the most recent game against Plymouth (4-0).   QPR have failed to score in five of their last six away league games (W1 D2 L3), though have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four such games, as many as in their prior 14 such matches. Only Plymouth Argyle (18) have had fewer shots on target away from home in the Championship this season than QPR (21). Match ends, Bristol City 1, Queens Park Rangers 1. Second Half ends, Bristol City 1, Queens Park Rangers 1. Fally Mayulu (Bristol City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Liam Morrison (Queens Park Rangers). Corner, Queens Park Rangers. Conceded by Rob Dickie. Attempt blocked. Alfie Lloyd (Queens Park Rangers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ilias Chair. Attempt saved. Steve Cook (Queens Park Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Fourth official has announced 5 minutes of added time. Rob Dickie (Bristol City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Alfie Lloyd (Queens Park Rangers). Attempt missed. Kenneth Paal (Queens Park Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Substitution, Queens Park Rangers. Daniel Bennie replaces Paul Smyth. Foul by Cameron Pring (Bristol City). Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Offside, Bristol City. Fally Mayulu is caught offside. Sam Bell (Bristol City) wins a free kick on the right wing. Foul by Nicolas Madsen (Queens Park Rangers). Substitution, Queens Park Rangers. Kenneth Paal replaces Harrison Ashby. Attempt saved. Cameron Pring (Bristol City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jason Knight with a cross. Substitution, Bristol City. Sam Bell replaces George Earthy. © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.