Ashley Barnes was left ruing ‘schoolboy’ errors as Norwich City dropped two points in a 2-2 draw with struggling QPR.  

City found themselves a goal down in the first half after Jack Colback converted after Angus Gunn’s clearance from a cross.

They managed to find a route back into the contest in the second period, firstly from Kenny McLean, who finished off a well-worked set-piece routine before Josh Sargent leapt to head home Jack Stacey’s lofted cross to put them ahead.

But a defensive error from Dimi Giannoulis allowed QPR back into the contest, with Michael Frey’s equaliser leaving Norwich with a feeling of missed opportunity.

Barnes was candid in his assessment of City’s performance and demanded higher standards to reach the Championship’s top six.

“We have to look at ourselves at the end of the day. We are frustrated in the changing room. First half, we were c***,” the experienced striker said.

“We knew that we needed to come out in the second half and start strong. We got that goal through a well-worked set play, and then we worked it well for the second one for Sarge’s header with a good passage of play.

“Then we throw it away by doing something stupid. If we want to challenge for these play-off spots, this is a stadium where you need to come and see out the game, especially when you’re ahead.

“This is schoolboy stuff. We let them get a throw and then a cross. You have to be ugly sometimes and go back to front and just try to win second balls.

“It is very frustrating to take. We have to dust ourselves down because we have a big game on Tuesday now.”

Results around them have ensured Norwich haven’t lost ground in the race for the play-offs, but Barnes feels it was a chance to push their case even further against a side that has struggled for form at home throughout this season.

“Frustration is flying in the dressing room, but that’s good,” Barnes said. “Every game is a cup final to get into the play-off spot. We have to take it one game at a time.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich City were left frustrated after squandering a 2-1 lead at Loftus Road.Norwich City were left frustrated after squandering a 2-1 lead at Loftus Road. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

“It’s another point, and we’ll go away happier with one point rather than none, but we threw away two points there.

“Everyone’s league position doesn’t necessarily speak for itself and that’s why you can’t come to places like this and, like we were in the first half, just be okay. It’s not good enough.

“We have to be at the highest standard to come here and win. It was never going to be easy. They are a good side and have good players. We have to shut them down. We’ll take the point and move on.”