Many Happy Returns...

QPR 1-1 Plymouth

Ian Holloway's long awaited return to Loftus Road ended all square and although the result was disappointing, it was a spirited performance from the R's. Despite recieving a warm welcome from the home fans, 'Ollie' kept his return pretty much low key - arriving in the dugout just seconds before the kick off to avoid the mass ranks of photographers and very rarely venturing into his techincal area throughout the match. However the two rival managers did find time for a 'YMCA' type dance routine...



Onto the game and the first half was a scrappy affair. But Rangers should have been ahead as soon as the first minute when Blackstock who fired straight at McCormick. The rebound fell to makeshift striker Lee Cook who's shot was tipped away by the keeper. Unable to capitalise on the fast start, Rangers were behind in the 32nd minute when Nalis headed home Ebanks-Blake's flick on.

Rangers battled hard to get back into the game and after an Ainsworth chance was deflected wide and a penalty appeal turned down, we finally had a piece of good fortune on 59 minutes. McCormick fumbled the ball under pressure and Lee Cook fired home at the second attempt to level the scores.



To be fair, it looked like the keeper was fouled and 9 times out of 10, the decision would go against you. But after recent bad luck, especially at the Southampton game, it was a huge relief when the referee pointed to the centre circle.

There was now only one team in it as Rangers went for the winner. But as the clock ticked down, McCormick denied us again as substitute Paul Furlong's effort cannoned of his legs. Minutes later, Furlong had the ball in the net only to see it ruled out for an offside decision that looked somewhat marginal to say the least.

QPR: Camp,Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth, Rowlands (Furlong 79), Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Timoska, Blackstock, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Jones, Smith.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Adam Bolder

So at the end of the day, it was a disappointing result, but you couldn't knock the R's fighting spirit to get back into the game. Fortunately, other results were kind to us again, but home games are now becoming must win matches if we are to avoid the dreaded drop. Sadly, you have to say that today was a missed opportunity...