Mikele Leigertwood's first-half double helped QPR to a convincing victory and denied faltering Stoke a return to the Coca-Cola Championship summit.

The utility player, who joined Rangers from Sheffield United last August, struck in the 12th and 21st minutes to double his tally for the season.

And Stoke were dealt another blow shortly before the break when skipper Andy Griffin was controversially shown a straight red card for a challenge on Hogan Ephraim.

The Potters' misery was compounded 11 minutes after the restart when Akos Buzsaky fired home to seal their second defeat in as many games.

Tony Pulis' men had arrived in the capital knowing that victory would lift them above Bristol City and back to the top of the table.

However, they struggled to impose themselves on a vibrant Rangers outfit and almost fell behind inside the ninth minute.

A well-crafted move cut the Potters to pieces down the left flank and led to Rowan Vine hitting a low shot goalwards which drew a fine block from Ryan Shawcross.

Two minutes later, Stoke briefly threatened when Liam Lawrence swung in a vicious free-kick from the right flank.

Leigertwood attempted to clear the ball but succeeded only in diverting the ball towards his own goal.

Rangers goalkeeper Lee Camp made a smart stop to divert the ball on to the bar and the danger was cleared.

Barely a minute later, Rangers were ahead as Leigertwood was afforded the time and space to crack a low left-foot past Steve Simonsen and into the bottom corner.

The goal poured confidence into the hosts and it was soon 2-0 as Leigertwood volleyed home after Vine's cushioned header fell into his path.

Rangers continued to fashion chances but they could not extend their lead and Stoke were dealt another blow when Griffin was given his marching orders by referee Andy D'Urso.

The defender won the ball in a challenge with Ephraim but he was instantly dismissed before Ricardo Fuller hit the foot of a post on the stroke of half-time.

Stoke fell further behind in the 56th minute when Buzsaky finished clinically after collecting a fine pass from Patrick Agyemang, who looked suspiciously offside.

The move capped a fine counter-attack by Rangers but D'Urso again came under scrutiny for allowing the goal to stand.

However, the Londoners continued to pour forward and only last-ditch defending a couple of smart saves from Simonsen kept the scoreline down.

Fitz Hall saw a stinging 20-yard drive parried by Simonsen but Stoke went close in the 67th minute when Richard Cresswell drilled in a low shot which Camp blocked.

Two minutes from time, Rangers substitute Dexter Blackstock hit a right-foot shot from 18 yards which drew another fine save from Simonsen.

Teams

QPR Camp, Mancienne, Connolly, Hall (Stewart 79), Delaney,Buzsaky, Leigertwood, Rowlands (Ainsworth 81), Ephraim,Agyemang, Vine (Blackstock 75).

Subs Not Used: Pickens, Lee.

Booked: Mancienne.

Goals: Leigertwood 12, 21, Buzsaky 56.

Stoke Simonsen, Griffin, Cort, Shawcross, Pugh,Lawrence (Buxton 62), Diao (Gallagher 55), Whelan, Cresswell,Sidibe (Wilkinson 46), Fuller.

Subs Not Used: Hoult, Parkin.

Sent Off: Griffin (44).

Booked: Cresswell.

Att: 13,398

Ref: Andy D'Urso (Essex).