QPR boss Michael Beale believes his side could have played for another half an hour and still not scored in their 1-0 home defeat to Blackpool.

The Rs second defeat of the season came courtesy of a 45th minute Josh Bowler strike as the Tangerines leapfrogged their hosts in the Championship.

Rangers’ best chance fell to striker Lyndon Dykes in the first half, but the Scotland international failed to convert from close range after Stefan Johansen dispossessed Kenneth Dougall.

“You could see Lyndon wasn’t sure if he was onside or not with his chance, and everyone in the stadium was the same,” said Beale.

“He had an opportunity early in the game where he might have got away one-on-one as well. 

“Ethan Laird flashed a couple of balls across the box and did so again in the second half but we could have been out there for another 30 minutes and wouldn’t have scored. 

“Bowler’s goal was the one moment of real quality. We only have ourselves to blame because we missed three or four really good opportunities in the first half.”

The result leaves Beale’s side in the bottom half of the table and they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their opening four Championship fixtures.

The introduction of teenager Sinclair Armstrong prompted a late push for an equaliser, with the 19-year-old going close on two occasions, but Rangers were unable to produce a repeat of their late heroics against Sunderland, which saw goalkeeper Seny Dieng rescue an unlikely point with a 92nd minute header.

“We lived a bit dangerously at the end, they broke away and had a couple of opportunities to kill us off but that is the Championship,” added Beale.

“I thought we were fortunate at the weekend against Sunderland to get a point and maybe it has evened itself out tonight. 

“We have played four league games so far and every game could have gone either way, and tonight it has gone against us."

Rovers are back in action in SW12 against Championship newcomers Rotherham on Saturday, with The Millers yet to taste defeat in the league this season.

Leeds loanee Tyler Roberts will be keen to make an impression against the Yorkshire side, having made his first Hoops start on Tuesday.

And after the arrival of the Welsh international and the emergence of Armstrong, Beale is wary that any further additions to his forwards line could have the unwanted effect of limiting the pair's first-team action and the development of the precocious Armstrong.

“Tyler Roberts had his first start and it was good to get 70 minutes from him,” said Beale.

“Young Sinclair Armstrong showed what he is about – lots of energy, natural enthusiasm, pace and power. He needs to work on some areas of his game but he is very young and that is another sign of QPR producing an exciting young player. 

“If I go and bring another striker in that is experienced, what happens to his moment? What happens to his minutes? I have got to be mindful of that.

“What we’re doing is showing a huge amount of investment and faith in the development of young Sinclair.”