CHAMPIONSHIP giants Queens Park Rangers showed their class as they inflicted a first defeat of the pre-season campaign on Forest Green.

It took just 70 seconds for the illustrious visitors to take the lead when goalkeeper Terry Burton failed to gather a cross and defender Damion Stewart poked the ball into the net.

Rangers dominated possession against a five-man Rovers midfield and doubled their advantage when Italian trialist Alessandro Percolli scored with a diving header on the rebound aftr Akos Buzaky struck the post with a 35-yard free-kick.

David Brown had a low shot saved by Andy Marshall and in the second half Jonathan Smith fired over from 25 yards, Paul Stonehouse had a shot blocked, and Jonathan Else shot wide.

Curtis McDonald saw his shot parried, substitute Andy Mangan’s effort with eight minutes remaining was well saved and Ben Pugh headed into the side netting as QPR held out for a clean sheet.

QPR boss Jim Magilton was full of praise for Forest Green.

He said: “I have to say I thought Forest Green came out of this match with a lot of credit.

“They played the game with a real tempo, which was good for us and good for the fixture."