Lyndon Dykes puts QPR ahead from the spot despite Cardiff goalkeeper Ryan Allsop diving the right way
Lyndon Dykes puts QPR ahead from the spot despite Cardiff goalkeeper Ryan Allsop diving the right way

Queens Park Rangers went top of the Championship thanks to a double from Lyndon Dykes.

The opener came from the spot after Jack Simpson was shown a red card in the 18th minute.

The third goal was scored by Ken Paal.

It was an impressive display by the R's, with Beale set to take over from Bruno Lage.

The position of Wolves' new manager is expected to be discussed with him on Thursday.

Unless there are unforeseen issues, the former assistant at Rangers and Villa will be in charge of the game.

That will be a source of pride and disappointment for Queens Park Rangers, who took the top spot in the Championship on goal difference, only to see two other teams drop points.

After five games without a defeat, Beale asked his players to show renewed energy and confidence, and they did.

The architect was Ilias Chair. In the course of his travels through the city, the man from Casablanca twice went close to scoring his own goal.

Mark Hudson had a completely different story to tell.

Mark Hudson and Michael Beale shake hands
They were all smiles before kick-off, but Mark Hudson (left) and Michael Beale's fortunes took dramatically different turns on Wednesday night

The honeymoon period is over after a promising start as the interim manager.

It is worrying that they have lost back-to-back games without scoring a goal.

Simpson will be suspended for that game, as well as being an injury doubt.

The Welsh side rested captain Joe Ralls, who was replaced by Ryan Wintle, and the visitors started in good spirits.

The wind was taken out of their sails when they lost a goal in the 18th minute.

Simpson was sent off after he was lured into a foul that resulted in a penalty and a red card.

chants of "we are top of the league" could be heard from the home crowd after Dykes' penalty kick.

The Scotland forward made it 2-0 before the half-time break.

The defence was pulled out of position too easily to allow Dykes to tap in in the 33rd minute of the game.

It felt like damage limitation for the Bluebirds when Ng failed to shake off a previous ankle knock.

The chair kept tormenting the visitors and almost produced a third for them.

Ryan Allsop denied Tim Iroegbunam from a long way, but Paal's cross looped into the far post and wrapped up the points.

Mick was the manager of Queens.

Nothing has changed since I haven't spoken to Les Ferdinand.

I turned my phone off because we were focused on the game. Les will tell me one way or the other. You don't have to accept an offer if it's official. Everything has to be weighed.

It wouldn't be easy to leave. Feelings and relationships are what football is about. Strong relationships have been built here.

I would love to manage in the premier league. That is a fact.

It has to be the right moment and the right club. They would have to give me a clear idea of the club's future.

Mark Hudson spoke to the radio.

The turning point for the players and fans was the sending-off and I feel bad for them.

The forward kicked the back of the player's leg while Jack Simpson was the right side of the player. I was surprised that it was a red card, and we will have to look into appealing it. It wasn't good.

We didn't start well and that's not possible. We kept in the game by grinding away against a team that was in good shape.