Championship league leaders Queens Park Rangers tonight missed the chance to go 10 points clear of second-placed Cardiff City as they were held to a scoreless draw by Derby County.

QPR were frustrated by a determined Rams outfit at Loftus Road as Nigel Clough's men continued their good recent record at the West London venue.

The home side had some good early chances, particularly when Wayne Routledge found space in the area only to shoot wide from a tight angle in the 11th minute before captain Adel Taarabt forced a top save out of loanee goalkeeper Brad Jones with his audacious attempt with the outside of his right boot about seven minutes later.

But after that, the visiting defence did not have a lot to do as their midfield kept things relatively quiet for Neil Warnock's charges who almost found themselves behind if it wasn't for a world class save from Paddy Kenny just after the hour-mark. Jamie Ward made a neat run down the left and cut it back for Stephen Pearson whose shot from inside of the area had no right to be saved but the Championship Team of the Year keeper did the job with a brilliant reflex save.

QPR had more possession and more shots on goal but Derby were able to wear them down and get a well-deserved point to move within a point of 18th-placed Middlesbrough whilst the promotion favourites will have to wait until they meet Cardiff in Wales on the weekend.