Rowlands sinks Canaries

Martin Rowlands earned QPR their first win of the season to lift the gloom at Loftus Road while plunging Norwich manager Peter Grant's future into serious doubt after running out 1-0 victors.

Rowlands, who had already rattled the woodwork, tucked away a 67th-minute penalty as the Coca-Cola Championship's bottom club secured a much-needed three points over their fellow strugglers.

Rangers were the only team in the country without a win to their name, form which had already cost John Gregory his job.

After a desperately poor first half, Rowlands raised the tempo two minutes into the second period with a storming run from right-back which culminated in a 25-yard drive which had David Marshall beaten but clipped the far post.

When the winner did come Rowan Vine was the architect, chasing a high ball into the area and tumbling under the challenge of Ian Murray, leaving referee Peter Walton no alternative but to point to the spot.

Rowlands stepped up and calmly thumped the ball past Marshall and into the corner of the net. Norwich were booed from the pitch by their disgruntled fans at the end.