Overview

• Harvey Vale settled a tight game at Loftus Road with a 75th‑minute strike to give QPR a 1-0 win.
• Stoke arrived second in the early table after four wins from five but left with a first away loss of the season.
• Stoke protested a key officiating call when Amadou Mbengue’s high challenge on Ben Pearson led only to a drop ball before the defender was later booked.
• An unchanged Stoke XI created chances as Million Manhoef headed over from close range and Aaron Cresswell saw a late volley cleared off the line.
• The televised 12:30 BST kickoff drew a sell‑out travelling support of 1,720, and Robins called for a reaction ahead of upcoming tests against Norwich and Middlesbrough.