QPR 0-0 Plymouth Argyle: Marti Cifuentes’ side fail to take advantage of Dan Scarr’s first half red card

It's been a long time since QPR fans had anything to hold on to.

But thanks to the impact of little-known Spanish coach Marti Cifuentes, Hoops supporters finally have hope again.

Cifuentes – who replaced Gareth Ainsworth in October – was left frustrated after a goalless draw against 10-man Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday, but there was still plenty of evidence his side were heading in the right direction.

“Today was one of those days,” Cifuentes said after the match. 'Plymouth defended very well in a low block and it was difficult to create clear chances.

“We got into good situations, but not as clear as we should have. We still have a point, but we are very disappointed that we only got one point, which is a good signal and I am happy with this attitude.”

Marti Cifuentes has now amassed thirteen points in seven games since taking over in October

QPR poached the 41-year-old from Swedish side Hammarby and his nomadic coaching career has taken him through the second tier of Spain, Norway, Denmark and Sweden – via a brief spell in Millwall's youth academy – to Loftus Road.

When Michael Beale joined Rangers a year ago, QPR were seventh and just four points clear of third-placed Blackburn Rovers, with expectations of a promotion in the second half of the campaign.

After a disastrous ten months, Neil Critchley and then Ainsworth failed in the top spot, with the pair combining for six wins in forty games, leaving the west London side teetering on the brink of League One.

Much of the faith has been drained from the Loftus Road faithful, but after picking up eight points in fourteen games prior to Cifuentes, the Hoops now have twelve in seven games with him, plus three consecutive clean sheets, and they are one point away from safety.

Things could have been different, however, as Steven Schumacher's side – who have not won an away game in the second tier since a 2-1 win over Doncaster on April 3, 2010, just 5003 days ago – started brightly.

The exciting Morgan Whittaker went through within 30 seconds but could not make the most of his opportunity. QPR were guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous areas and Ryan Hardie missed two golden chances, including firing over a one-on-one as he charged at Asmir Begovic.

QPR grew in the match against their youthful opponents – whose starting line-up had an average age of 24.2 – and the big moment came after 25 minutes.

When Ilias Chair broke free, Dan Scarr – Argyle's most experienced player – brought him down in what seemed a classic cynical foul to stop a counter-attack, but referee Tony Harrington had no hesitation in immediately brandishing a red card.

Ilias Chair was QPR's brightest spark, but they could not beat their determined opponents

Steven Schumacher's ten-man team took only their fourth away point of the season

Replays showed Scarr catching Chair on the knee and with both feet off the ground in a reckless challenge.

QPR began to dominate when Conor Hazard made a good stop from the revived Chris Willock, before Charlie Kelman hit the post from just a few yards out.

Cifuentes compared his side's progress this week to rowing a boat and his team continued to paddle in the second half but changed crew members after a three-way change.

Plymouth defended heroically and should have gone ahead when Hardie's cross found Kaine Kesler-Hayden who headed wide from a few yards out.

Chair was in control for QPR but they were left frustrated as final quality eluded them before Hazard was forced into a series of saves late in the afternoon.

Despite their 21 attempts on goal and 76 percent of ball possession, QPR were unable to make their man advantage count.

“I'm so proud of them because the effort they put in under those conditions was top class,” Schumacher said.

“I thought we deserved something from the game, but there is also a slight disappointment because I thought we should have scored in the first 15 minutes, but we keep moving and at least we came away with something.”