QPR missed another chance to put serious pressure on second-placed Burnley at the top of the Championship.

A win on the south coast would have taken Rangers to within seven of the Clarets, who drew 1-1 at Watford but they were out-thought and out-worked by a determined Bournemouth side who are now just five points off a play-off place.

Goals from Tommy Elphick and Lewis Grabban were enough to give the 10-man hosts a victory that confirmed promotion for leaders Leicester.

Skipper Elphick gave the hosts the lead on the stroke of half-time with a thumping header before Armand Traore drew the Rs level with a great solo effort straight after the break.

However, Bournemouth always had control of the game and Grabban poked home the winner on 60 minutes.

Harry Arter was sent off seven minutes later for a horrendous tackle on Junior Hoilett but QPR couldn’t muster the quality or guile required to force the leveller although Richard Dunne had a header cleared off the line in the final minute.

The only real positive for the Rs was the welcome return of top scorer Charlie Austin, who played half an hour for the first time since injuring his shoulder in January.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp said: “We have to be careful with Charlie and we will see whether we will chance him again.

“He is the one guy who looks like he’ll score a goal. We are short of goals — that’s been our problem.”

The Rangers gaffer also admitted that the promotion picture is now all sewn up.

He said: “It is almost impossible now to be fair. Nobody is going to catch Burnley now, are they?

“I thought we started great and played some really good football. I thought we would go on and win.”