Sheffield United strengthened their play-off case and put another nail in the coffin of QPR's as they ran out 1-0 winners in a crucial clash at the top of the Championship.
The west-London side travelled to Sheffield knowing that only a win would do in their pursuit of the play-offs have suffered a number of damaging results in recent weeks.
Ollie Norwood's goal proved to be decisive as Sheffield United moved up to fifth, two points ahead of Middlesbrough in sixth having played two games more.
After their defeat at home to Fulham on Saturday and the recent speculation surrounding the future of manager Mark Warburton QPR needed a reaction.
They have seen their seemingly insurmountable position in the play-offs flitter away, and on tonight's evidence you would not bet on them to get it back.
Prior to Tuesday evening Warburton had explained the significance of the night, choosing to stress the importance to the press - and seemingly, his players - the trip to Bramall Lane was.
'We have some big games coming up, we have 21 points to play for, we still can reach 80 points, we must just keep chasing that target down,' he said.
It seems his players did not heed the advice.
After nine minutes a corner routine straight from the training ground proved the undoing of QPR.
John Fleck stood over the ball from the corner flag and passed the ball across the 18-yard box, which was dummied before being gleefully met by the foot of Norwood.
QPR struggled throughout to gain a foothold, and you expect that could be that for their aspirations of promotion for another year.
Warburton said afterwards that his side had lost to a 'shocking goal': 'It was a shocking goal to give away to a set piece we’ve practiced against.'
'We didn’t start well and finished the half better. Second half was better but it was about having that bit of class in the final third and we didn’t show it,' he added.
'We had lots of ball. They’ve got a great record at home and we’ve lost to a shocking goal.'
Paul Heckingbottom, who has seen his side rise up the table following a tough start to the season, said he was pleased by the performance, particularly that of Oli McBurnie.
'He’s a good footballer. I know him, I know him well and had some honest conversations,' he said.
'I’m a fan but you’re judged on your actions and players have to deliver. Whether they’ve got the support of the manger or not. Under trying circumstances, he was in a bad way but he wanted to play and he helped us get three points.'