Shittu gave Rangers the lead

QPR strengthened their play-off hopes with an impressive victory at Chesterfield.

They conceded an early goal but soon hit back to lead before wrapping up the points with a late brace.

Chesterfield's second was a stoppage-time consolation.

Glynn Hurst gave the Spireites an 11th-minute lead, but they were without three central defenders and their inexperience at the back proved costly.

Richard Pacquette was allowed to turn and fire in the equaliser in the 13th minute and Danny Shittu was unmarked to head in a Marc Bircham corner nine minutes later.

Chesterfield battled hard in the second half and Hurst almost got a second, but Rangers eased their nerves when substitute Paul Furlong scored with a powerful right-foot shot after 84 minutes.

Pacquette set up another substitute, Andy Thomson, for a fourth a minute from time, before the impressive Chris Brandon salvaged some pride for Chesterfield with a goal in added time.

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Chesterfield: Williams, Davies, O'Hare, Howson, Booty, Brandon, Edwards, Ebdon, Rushbury, Reeves, Hurst. Subs: Richmond, Allott, Warne, Lancaster, Smith.

QPR: Culkin, Forbes, Shittu, Palmer, Padula, Gallen, Bircham, Burgess, Walshe, Angell, Pacquette. Subs: Day, Plummer, Bean, Thomson, Furlong.

Referee: M Evans (Liverpool)