English Championship: Leon Balogun scores crucial goal against former club

Nigeria international Leon Aderemi Balogun opened his goal account for his English Championship side, Queens Park Rangers (QPR) as his team defeated Wigan Athletic 2-1 at Loftus Road, London.

The hosts in a bid to register its sixth victory in eight league matches scored the opening goal in the 12th minute when Sam Field fired in his first goal of the Championship campaign with a sweetly struck shot past Ben Amos.

Looking to bounce back from a comprehensive 4-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Middlesbrough in midweek, the Latics were leveled ten minutes later when Nathan Boradhead fired into the bottom left-hand corner following strike partner Will Keane’s exquisitely headed assist.

However, Wigan were only level for two minutes as Stefan Johansen’s second assist also provided Balogun with his maiden goal of the season.

Michael Beale’s side continued to look menacing in their pursuit of a third goal as Tim Iroegbunam’s fearsome strike stung the palms of Amos.

However, Wigan missed a couple of glorious opportunities to level the contest as Jason Kerr and Keane remained frustrated in front of the goal.

Substitute, Josh Magennis did strike the woodwork for the visitors, as QPR remained in the ascendancy to register a sixth head-to-head home victory.

Wigan remained precariously above the relegation zone despite accumulating a relatively impressive return of 13 points since their return to the second tier of English football.

Balogun played for the duration of the game as he scored his first goal for QPR against his former club, Wigan Athletic.