If this is how Ipswich answer calls for manager Jim Magilton to be sacked, they'll have to make it a weekly occurrence. In - form QPR were thumped at Loftus Road to make a mockery of the demands for the manager's head in a week when his team has collected six points.

After falling behind after just three minutes, the Tractor Boys recovered and then gave a finishing masterclass through Pablo Counago and sub Jon Walters, to add to the victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

They are now just two points off the play-off places - no wonder chairman Marcus Evans has given Magilton a heartfelt vote of confidence.

Qpr had lost just one of their previous 13 League games under their young Portuguese boss Paulo Sousa and took just three minutes to go ahead.

Wayne Routledge, an England prospect a few years ago before an ill-considered move to Spurs halted his development, beat Ipswich left-back Ben Thatcher all ends up before crossing temptingly into the six-yard boss where Samuel Di Carmine netted at the near post.

Qpr were full of quick passes and flicks - especially Routledge, but it all started to unravel when Kaspars Gorkss gave away a needless corner.

That was headed just over his own bar by Mikele Leigertwood and Rangers never looked comfortable as they struggled to clear the resulting set-piece, before Jon Stead eventually turned in a weak deflected shot from David Norris.

Qpr were suddenly looking frail at the back and they had a lucky escape 10 minutes before the break when Gavin Mahon attempted an over ambitious header back to goalkeeper Lee Camp.

It was intercepted by Counago, who with his back to goal, laid the ball back to Stead who somehow managed to fire wide of the unguarded net.

Magilton might ponder that on such misses are the fates of managers decided after a week in which he has been subjected to calls for his sacking.

But needn't have fretted because when Counago won the ball of the hapless Gavin Mahon, he brushed off another couple of challenges and after finding space fired past Camp.

And that was topped by Walter who, nine minutes after coming on, took a brilliant 50- yard Alan Quinn pass in his stride and with his second touch rapped it home.

Mike Allen (sundaymirror.co.uk)