Town started in a shaky manner with Rangers by far the better side in the opening 15 or so minutes.
Aidan Davison was called into action straight away, making a low save from Marcus Bean's drive.
Edwards and Crane struggled to get going and allowed former Luton man Tony Thorpe to get in behind them. Edwards reacted well and stretched to clear for a corner but more attacks were to follow.
Minutes later Davison half punched a cross clear and was fortunate that Kevin Gallen's snapshot lacked power and direction.
Town did slowly turn the game back to an even event, Crane's presence on set pieces was more obvious as the game wore on. The big man proved to be a mountain of problems for QPR's defence, it was his flick on that gave Stuart Campbell Town's first real chance. Campbell's effort flew well over the bar though.
Crane also proved to cause problems at his own end 3 minutes later, his slack back header was intercepted by Thorpe and only a smart save from Davison saved Crane's blushes.
Michael Boulding threatened on occasions with his pace before finally getting the better of Terrell Forbes before he was hauled down. Forbes argued the point and got himself booked as a result. The free-kick was moved forward to the edge of the penalty area, which really punished Town more than anything. Darren Barnard and Des Hamilton stood over it with Barnard firing into the wall
Despite now attacking the Rangers goal, Town looked awful when defending the goal. Both Crane and McDermott made vital blocks to prevent certain goals. Davison too was all action with numerous saves and constant collecting of crosses.
A Hamilton corner also resulted in a Town goal, Crane powered his header goalwards but Chris Day's fine save kept the scores level going into the break.
Town looked a more composed side in the second half, with more of the possession kept on the floor.
The widemen of Campbell and Crowe began to look dangerous with their direct running but support was poor.
After Barnard had brought down Gareth Ainsworth, Bean slammed his free-kick at Davison who could only parry the shot. Thorpe was first to react but his finish hit the crossbar before going out of play.
Clever play from Macca and Daws gave Campbell a sight on goal but his shot trickled wide.
Around the 65 minute mark Boulding took advantage of poor defending only to hesitate in front of goal. With a chance of shooting, the out of form frontman opted to round the floored keeper, giving the defence chance to recover and clear the danger.
Daws once again released Macca soon after but Day was quick off his line to prevent the veteran for getting his goal since the start of the Cold War!
Boulding's pace was causing problems but time after time he went for the wrong option when players were waiting in space.
Davison was kept busy by Martin Rowlands curling effort that forced the 'keeper into a full length save.
Anderson was brought onto replace Jason Crowe with 12 minutes. Whilst the return of Anderson was a pleasing sight, it has to be said that it disrupted Town's play. Campbell was forced to switch wings despite destorying the QPR left side for most of the second half.
Late on Boulding raced away down the wing but having reached the edge of the area, found no support and his low cross ran out of play before anyone could get close.
Edwards was caught out by Paul Furlong and hauled the ex-Chelsea man down in the area, amazingly both the linesman and referee waved play on.
A draw looked to be the destined result until the cruel late blow. Mike Edwards half cleared with a header. Macca sliced his attempt to Rowlands who fed Gallen, who looked offside. Gallen's shot came back of the woodwork to Eric Sabin, who was offside, to tap in. Despite the appeals of Town players, neither linesman or referee responded. Although coming just seconds after the Edwards/Furlong incident, little arguement could be offered against cheating.
Man of the Match - Stuart Campbell. Fantastic performance in the second half and at times threatened to win the game on his own. Unfortunate that he was switched to accommodate others when he was in full flow.
Grimsby: Davison, McDermott, Crane, Edwards, Barnard, Crowe (Anderson 78), Hamilton, Daws, Campbell, Onuora, Boulding. Subs not used: Young, Hockless, Mansaram, Jevons.
QPR: Day, Rowlands, Forbes, Palmer, Padula, Ainsworth (Sabin 77), Bean, Bircham, Gallen, Furlong, Thorpe (Barton 69). Subs not used: Culkin, Pacquette, Daly.
League Table