Hughes gets off to losing start

LEON Best’s first goal since September fired Newcastle into sixth place in the Barclays Premier League as Mark Hughes’ first game as QPR boss ended in narrow defeat.

The Republic of Ireland striker took his tally for the campaign to four with a neat finish to win a fiercely contested game. Rangers had more than enough chances to get something out of the contest on an afternoon when the Magpies turned in an unconvincing performance. However, Alan Pardew’s men did just enough to claim a fourth win in five games.

After key midfielder Yohan Cabaye had been stretchered off following an uncompromsising challenge by Shaun Derry, Newcastle responded with a spell of pressure and made it tell eight minutes before the break when Ryan Taylor stabbed a pass to Best, who stepped inside Luke Young before side-footing calmly into the far corner.