Dexter's delight but Preston fume over handball

Blackstock, who rifled the only goal into the top corner early in the second half, appeared to handle a header from Patrick Agyemang in the 79th minute, but referee Keith Stroud and his linesman failed to spot the offence.

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Simpson said: There were only two people in the whole stadium who didn't see the handball, and unfortunately we rely on those people to make the decision. They are a law unto themselves.'

Rangers manager John Gregory agreed: Dexter put his elbow out and it hit him on the arm. Preston were justified to question that decision.'

Rangers leapfrogged Barnsley and moved four points clear of the relegation zone. Their exuberant players celebrated with a lap of honour at the final whistle.

Gregory said: It was ugly, it was hard to watch but it was three points and a clean sheet and that's imperative in our position. The hardest thing was settling everyone down again, because there's still a lot of work to be done.'

It was Preston's second away defeat in five days and the dream of a top-two finish suddenly looks remote.

They are six points adrift of second-place Birmingham, who have a game more to play, and eight behind leaders Derby and Simpson accepts they must win their last six games to go up automatically.

Preston had two England strikers in their side in David Nugent and Michael Ricketts, but Nugent fluffed a glorious chance in the first minute.

He was unmarked in front of goal after left back Matty Hill swung a deep cross into the area, but he tried to nurse the ball goalwards with a sidefoot volley and miscued badly.

Simpson said: We've gone with two strikers who have both played for England and two wide players who can both cause problems and they haven't done it tonight.

QPR have been whipping boys for the top teams and we haven't done it. We didn't have enough quality.'

Gareth Ainsworth and Marc Nygaard went close before the break but Blackstock clinched the points after 51 minutes.

There seemed little danger when the former Southampton striker took a Nygaard pass on his chest with his back to goal but he swivelled and smashed it into the top corner.

Gregory said: The first touch was sublime and the volley was sweet. It was a magnificent goal and one worthy of a better setting.'

QUEENS PARK RANGERS (4-4-2): Camp; Mancienne (Kanyuka 46min), Cullip, Stewart, Bignot; Ainsworth, Lomas, Bolder, Cook (R Ricketts 46, Smith 83); Nygaard, Blackstock.

Booked: Cullip, Bolder.

Scorer: Blackstock 51.

PRESTON NORTH END (4-4-2): Lonergan; Alexander, St Ledger, Chilvers, Hill (Wilson 78); Songo'o (Agyemang 62), Sedgwick, Pugh, Whaley (Dichio 75); M Ricketts, Nugent.

Booked: St Ledger.

Man of the match: Gareth Ainsworth.

Referee: Keith Stroud.