QPR's season finally got up and running after Adel Taarabt's early goal secured a first win under Jim Magilton.

The on-loan Tottenham forward conjured up a moment of Premier League class to lift the pressure on Magilton, the latest manager tasked with guiding Flavio Briatore's Rangers to promotion.

The visitors should have won more comfortably, with Iron goalkeeper Joe Murphy denying Fitz Hall and Mikele Leigertwood, but Magilton will not be complaining despite having to watch the final few minutes from the stands.

The Irishman was unhappy after his side were denied a late penalty when Wayne Routledge appeared to be felled by Murphy - only to be booked for a dive.

Murphy was already on a yellow card after bringing down Jay Simpson, Rangers' new loan signing from Arsenal, who had burst clear inside the opening 30 seconds.

But the Londoners' lightning start was rewarded in the third minute when Taarabt picked up possession some 35 yards out, glided past a couple of Iron defenders into the area and coolly rolled the ball past Murphy for his first goal of the season.

Leigertwood almost made it two but Murphy did well to block the midfielder's shot, before Hogan Ephraim drove wide and Simpson headed Routledge's cross the wrong side of the post.

But Scunthorpe weathered the early storm without conceding a second, and as they got a foothold in the game Paul Hayes, Gary Hooper and Jordan Spence all had shots saved by Radek Cerny.

Shortly before the break Alejandro Faurlin fired narrowly wide before Simpson turned well in the area only to scuff his shot off target.

Murphy kept his side in the game on the hour mark with a fine reaction save from Hall's volley after a half-cleared corner fell to the big centre-half.

Leigertwood chipped over the crossbar as Rangers threatened again, but as the second half progressed without a killer second goal the visitors got edgy.

Scunthorpe felt they could have had a penalty when Hayes tumbled in area but referee Graham Salisbury was not interested.

Cliff Byrne headed over and Grant McCann's free-kick was blocked by Cerny as the hosts searched for a leveller.

At the other end Rangers substitutes Heidar Helguson and Rowan Vine linked well in the area, but the latter blazed over the crossbar.

Routledge then rounded Murphy and appeared to be brought down by the keeper, only to earn a booking for his troubles to the disbelief of Magilton, who was sent to the stands for his protests.

Teams:

Scunthorpe Murphy, Spence, Byrne, Mirfin, Williams,Sparrow (Thompson 70), Togwell (McCann 61),O'Connor (Josh Wright 61), Woolford, Hayes, Hooper.

Subs Not Used: Lillis, Forte, Morris, Crosby.

Booked: Murphy.

QPR Cerny, Ramage, Hall, Connolly, Borrowdale, Routledge,Leigertwood, Faurlin (Mahon 81), Ephraim, Taarabt (Vine 56),Simpson (Helguson 70).

Subs Not Used: Heaton, Stewart, Buzsaky, Pellicori.

Booked: Routledge.

Goals: Taarabt 3.

Att: 5,866

Ref: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).