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QPR produced a spirited performance but were ultimately undone by a moment of misfortune as they bowed out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

A first-half own goal by goalkeeper Lee Camp sent the holders into the next round at the expense of their rich West London rivals.

A new-look Rangers' side fielded no less than seven new signings over the course of the match. Gavin Mahon, Matt Connolly, Hogan Ephraim and Fitz Hall all started the game whilst Patrick Agyemang and Kieran Lee came on in the second-half.

QPR were more than comfortable for the opening half-hour before bad luck enabled the Blues to take the lead. Claudio Pizzaro picked up the ball outside the area and fired a shot against the left hand post. The ball appeared to be heading away from the goal but bounced off Camp's body and into the net.

Chelsea began to take control of the match and were only denied a second by the woodwork. In the final minute of the half Steve Sidwell's cracking drive cannoned off the bottom of the left post and away to safety.

The away team were backed by 6,000 vociferous supporters who totally outsang the subdued home fans.

Rangers showed their intent for their second-half by handing Agyemang his debut up front in place of Gareth Ainsworth.

And they were forced into another change within minutes when Akos Buzsaky hobbled off with a sprained ankle. Lee, on loan from Manchester United, came on and took his place in an unaccustomed right wing role.

QPR enjoyed their best spell of the match when Martin Rowlands had two efforts which threatened the home goal. The midfielder shot narrowly over the bar after 51 minutes and soon afterwards fired straight at Hilario.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant was worried enough by the opposition to bring on his three stars from the bench; Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack.

But in truth, for all Rangers' effort all over the pitch they rarely looked like scoring in the closing stages and were left to reflect on an encouraging display Stamford Bridge.

7:17pm Saturday 5th January 2008

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