Southampton remain in the Championship's drop zone after being held to a goalless draw by slumping QPR
Southampton stay in the drop zone after being held
Southampton remain in the drop zone in the Championship after being held to a goalless draw by slumping QPR at St Mary's Stadium.
Saints had the better chances against Rangers, who have now gone nine without a league victory, but failed to break the deadlock on the South Coast.
The goalless draw means Southampton remain two points behind Nottingham Forest while the Rs' hopes of a play-off place may have to wait until next season.
The hosts almost went ahead inside two minutes when a mistake by Rangers centre-half Damion Stewart let in Jason Euell.
The former Wimbledon and Charlton frontman was able to race through on goal and round Radek Cerny, but he put his shot the wrong side of the post.
Squandered
Mikele Leigertwood squandered Rangers' first chance, firing wide from 20 yards after ex-Saints striker Dexter Blackstock laid off Peter Ramage's cross.
Rangers, who have now not found the net in their last four games, should have taken the lead in the 20th minute after Kaspars Gorkss nodded Liam Miller's corner back across goal, but diminutive winger Wayne Routledge put a free header over the crossbar from all of three yards out.
Saints keeper Kelvin Davis did well to block Hogan Ephraim's deflected shot, but as the first half wore on the hosts looked the more threatening.
Five minutes before the break Euell picked up a clever flick from David McGoldrick and got in a shot which Cerny made a meal of but gathered at the second attempt.
Shortly after the restart Rangers were inches from going ahead when Routledge found Jordi Lopez, whose drive took a slight deflection and flew narrowly wide.
Impossible angle
Euell then wasted an opportunity to cross to one of three of his team-mates in front of goal, opting instead to volley wide from an impossible angle.
Andrew Surman embarked on a great run and teed up his fellow England Under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana, but his shot was poor and did not trouble Cerny.
Sousa, who will surely be under pressure from chairman Flavio Briatore if their poor run continues much longer, threw on young striker Antonio German and on-loan Tottenham youngster Adel Taarabt for their debuts.
Taarabt nearly marked his cameo appearance with a goal in the closing stages, but his shot hit the side-netting.
Saints came closest to grabbing a winner when Euell played in Surman but Cerny made a fine save to ensure the game ended goalless.
