Queens Park Rangers were frustrated by an organised Brighton & Hove Albion side in a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road, although the result did see the hosts go top of the Championship table.

QPR thought they had taken an early lead when Joey Barton tapped home from Shaun Wright-Phillips's cross, but the winger was adjudged to have been offside.

Nedum Onuoha was forced to leave the pitch midway through the first half with a thigh injury, with former Tottenham Hotspur full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto replacing him for the hosts.

Brighton's best chance of the half came when Keith Andrews's deflected drive dropped just wide of the post.

QPR could have taken the lead through Charlie Austin, but the striker delayed his effort following good work by Gary O'Neill and Andrews recovered well to nick the ball off the forward's toes.

Austin was denied once more as half time approached when his header was pushed behind by Tomasz Kuszczak.

Richard Dunne saw his effort cleared off the line either side of two Barton free kicks that went close.

Manager Harry Redknapp introduced Jermaine Jenas in search of an equaliser, but Brighton defended well to go home with a point.