Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd blamed his side's poor defending for prolonging their miserable home record against QPR.

Martin Rowlands - with a brace - Damion Stewart and Akos Buzsaky fired lowly Rangers to an amazing 4-2 win at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets, who were nine points clear at the top of the Championship a couple of months ago, are still without a home victory since October 20 and have slipped three points behind leaders West Brom.

But Boothroyd dismissed suggestions his side are suffering a bout of stage fright performing in front of their own fans.

"We dominated for long periods in the first half and yet ended up 3-0 down at half-time," he said.

"I was pleased with our attacking play but not some of the defending. It was schoolboy stuff."

The Hornets self-destructed in spectacular fashion from the moment Jordan Stewart upended Dexter Blackstock to concede a 13th-minute penalty which Rowlands converted.

Stewart headed his fourth goal of the season on the half hour, and Rowlands doubled his tally when he lashed the ball home from 10 yards to put Rangers three up five minutes before half-time.

Damien Francis struck from close range after the break as Boothroyd's men briefly threatened a second-half comeback.

But substitute Buzsaky stole in and rounded Richard Lee to hit a fourth for the visitors before Rangers old boy Danny Shittu's late goal completed the scoring.

"There was no ranting or raving at half-time, we just talked about what we had to do to try to get back into it," added Boothroyd.

"We got back into it and then left ourselves open.

"I don't think it's psychological. I might have done before today but the attitude and application is all there. But individual defensive errors you just can't legislate for."

While Watford have won just three of their last 12 games, the future looks bright for Rangers after pocketing three more three points to climb out of the relegation zone ahead of their anticipated spree in the January sales.

But manager Luigi De Canio preferred to dwell on his current batch of players, rather than any potential raft of new signings.

"I think the team is playing better and better. Today we managed to take our chances which meant the losses of concentration we sometimes have didn't cost us," said the Italian.

"In the dressing room we only talk about our opponents, not what might happen tomorrow or in January.

"Everyone needs to do his duty, that is a sign of maturity and each one of these players has that."

De Canio sprung a surprise by sticking with on-loan defender Bob Malcolm, who was on Friday suspended by parent club Derby over a drink-drive charge.

Malcolm's spell with Rangers comes to an end on New Year's Day, when he will have to head back to Pride Park.

"Derby have suspended Bob from when he returns," added De Canio.

"We haven't condemned Bob. We asked him to explain himself and his explanation satisfied us."

Asked if he would attempt to extend the Scot's stint at Loftus Road, De Canio said: "We will discuss that after January 1."