Birmingham manager Gary Rowett disappointed with poor first half at QPR

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett was unhappy about both goals his side conceded in their 2-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat at QPR.

Dutch midfielder Tjarron Chery netted the opener 10 minutes before half-time and Junior Hoilett scored from the penalty spot four minutes later after Sebastian Polter had been fouled by Michael Morrison.

"The first goal we conceded was a bit soft. Chery has had four or five touches and we didn't get near him," said Rowett.

"I also felt the penalty was a bit soft. Polter sees Morrison coming and leans into him and he goes down."

Birmingham created chances in the second half but were unable to find the net and have now scored just two goals in their last five matches.

"I spoke a lot to the players before the game about the mentality and what we do so well away from home, which is to be hard to beat and very hard to play against," Rowett said.

"I don't want to take credit away from QPR, because they were good value for their win, but I have to say that 40 minutes in the first half was the poorest we've been in terms of energy and drive.

"We were much better in the second half and maybe if we'd have taken one of our opportunities it would have been different.

"But we didn't show enough drive and desire to get anything out of the game. Our biggest strength is our work rate and drive, and today it didn't happen.

"We looked a little bit lacklustre and if you come to anywhere away from home you need to be stronger mentally to get anything."

Chery, recalled boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, struck 10 minutes before half-time - his sixth goal of the season and second in three matches.

James Perch pulled the ball back from the left and Chery showed great composure to steady himself and fire low into the far corner.

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Hoilett doubled the lead from the penalty spot four minutes later.

Hasselbaink was full of praise for his players after seeing them win for only the third time in 16 matches since he took over in early December.

"I'm very happy with the three points and hopefully we can build from here," said the Dutchman.

"Today we were very good from back to front. From the first five minutes we ha d control, scored a brilliant goal and then the move for the penalty was very good.

"We scored at the right time. We were able to score two goals and that gave the boys a little bit more freedom.

"In other games we had opportunities in the first half and didn't score, and then the other teams have started better in the second half.

"This time we managed to get the goals, and to score two and have other chances against a very good side like Birmingham is very good.

"I would have liked to have had more control in the second half but we had a good shape and could have scored to make it 3-0, so I am happy."