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QPR 3-2 Luton
Rangers stepped ever closer to safety as Paul Furlong scored in the final minute to snatch victory for the R's in a topsy turvy game at Loftus Road.
After Saturday's win at Coventry, everyone was in upbeat mood as Rangers took on a Luton side in terrible form. So much so that it seemed their fans have already given up - if the pitiful away following was anything to go by? So upbeat was California Hoop (who incidentally was sporting a Whoopi Goldberg look for the day), that he was constantly predicting a 6-0 win!
But in a disappointing first half, Luton had the better of the chances before Rangers took the lead - Dexter Blackstock firing home from close range on 41 minutes. However, it came as no suprise when in stoppage time, Luton were level through Coyne who headed home almost unchallenged from Bell's cross.
Onto the second half and disaster struck when on 50 minutes - Nygaard seemed to punch away a cross to give Luton a penalty, from which Bell made no mistake. The atmosphere was now becoming tense as frustration started to creep in. Not helped at all by some diaboical refereeing. I don't think anyone could quite believe how Heikkinen's trip on Furlong didn't result in a penalty? But on 81 minutes, a less clear cut penalty was given - Heikkinen again the offender, bringing down Furlong. Blackstock stepped up to cooly send the keeper the wrong way.
There was now only going to be one winner as Rangers piled forward and in the very last minute, Lomas crossed for Furlong to head the ball into the bottom right hand corner to cue some of the wildest celebrations so far this season.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth (Smith 22), Lomas, Moore, Kanyuka (Timoska 61), Stewart, Nygaard (Furlong 63), Blackstock. Subs: Cole, Ricketts.
Lofty's Man of the Match - well, some people may look at the goalscorers and Furlong's match winning performance from the bench. But for me today, it goes to Adam bolder who just never stopped battling for us in the centre of midfield.
To sum up, this was a poor performance in comparison to recent weeks, but our 'never say die' attitude got us through. I have no doubt that many R's fans would have been more than happy with a 4 point return over Easter? But to get all 6 and climb seven points ahead of the safety barrier, is a fantastic achievement!
Last but by no means least, the day and the result has come with a tinge of sadness, with the news that Gareth Ainsworth has suffered a fractured fibula. Gaz went off after 22 minutes and an X Ray has confirmed a spiral fracture of his left leg.
Gaz has had terrible luck this season with injuries but has continually fought his way back time and time again. His heart, passion and performances since his return have been exceptional, especially in recent weeks and he has played a massive part in the recent turn around that looks like it will now keep us in the Championship.
On behalf of myself and all the gang - GET WELL SOON GAZ and Thanks!
We look forward to seeing you back even stronger next year!!
Coventry 0-1 QPR
Jimmy Smith's second half goal earned three more valuable points as Rangers continued to take massive steps closer to staying in the Championship. 
The day started well enough as a rare full car load set off from London with myself, PK, Al and California Hoop all making the relatively easy journey to the Ricoh Arena - and after Tuesday's win over Preston, we were all in good spirits and in an upbeat mood. The day continued to get even better as news filtered through that the referee for the day, Uriah Rennie had been replaced. So after what seemed like a mountaineering expedition to get to our seats and despite almost being distracted by a certain young lady's legs on my right, we settled down for the game...
...which wasn't at all pretty, but Rangers fighting spirit was again on full display. The first half was a scrappy affair and there were chances for both sides. But Lee Camp was probably the busier of the two keepers and made some vital saves. But the general feeling around the Rangers end at half time was that Coventry were there for the taking.
Rangers started the second half well and were ahead on 53 minutes. Andy Marshall somehow kept out Furlong and Moore's efforts, but it was third time lucky for Jimmy Smith who hammered the ball home.
There were a few minor scares as the clock counted down but Rangers continued to fight and looked pretty comfortable when the ref blew the final whistle.
QPR: Camp, Cullip, Bolder (Lomas 71), Ainsworth, Moore, Kanyuka, Stewart, Timoska (Bignot 55), Furlong (Nygaard 63), Blackstock, Smith. Subs: Cole, Ricketts.Lofty's Man of the Match - well, QPR to a man did us all proud, but the Captain's armband brought a Captain's performance from - Danny Culip
Overall, results were pretty kind to us yet again, but at least now we are doing it for ourselves! With Monday's game against Luton probably at the back of his mind, Gregory made some changes to the line up and at first glance, it looked a bit of a makeshift XI. But any R's fan at the game will tell you, that every single Rangers player today would have died for the cause this afternoon and we were all rewarded with another fantastic result and a great day out!
Lastly, for those interested in the gangs fortunes at the bookmakers - well, Coventry sadly didn't provide any facilities for us today so the Preston winnings will roll over to the Luton game.
QPR 1-0 Prestom
The Great Escape theme tune was ringing around Loftus Road tonight as Dexter Blackstock's stunning goal gave Rangers a well deserved and crucial victory against promotion chasing Preston.
After Saturday's performance, the gang were again, reasonably upbeat. So much so, that another raid on the bookmakers was on the cards and at the end of the game, the three points must have also help ease the pain on Al Murray/Corporate's frequently whacked, new tattoo.
After just 60 seconds, it looked as though it was going to be our night as England International, David Nugent somehow managed to poke the ball wide from just yards out. From there on in, it was all Rangers and how we were not ahead by half time was anyone's guess? Chances fell to Ainsworth, Blackstock and Nygaard and at times, it seemed as though Rangers wanted to walk the ball into the net.
Onto the second half, and on 51 minutes, Loftus Road was jumping as Nygaard found Blackstock who cushioned the ball with his first touch, then rifled the ball home from 25 yards with his second - a stunning goal!
Rangers then fought for their lives as Preston came back into the game and the tension was becoming quite unbearable as the clock seemed to take an age to count down. Towards the end, Preston had four strikers on the pitch but Rangers held firm and should have made the points safe in injury time as Blackstock was denied by a great save from Loneghan. But after 5 agonising minutes, the ref finally got something right and blew the final whistle.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth, Lomas, Cook (Ricketts 46) (Smith 82), Stewart, Nygaard, Blackstock, Mancienne (Kanyuka 46). Subs: Cole, Furlong.
Lofty's Man of the Match - and back to his best - Gareth Ainsworth
It certainly felt good to be an R's fan this evening. This was Rangers game in hand and there is no doubt just how crucial this win is as it gives us a 4 point cushion on the bottom three. Our superiour goal difference on the teams below us could also be said to be an extra point. But although this wasn't the best footballing performance, the spirit, fight and passion shown by every R's player on the pitch saw us through tonight... and more of the same may well keep us in the Championship.
A correct match prediction from myself meant that the gang were again successful at the bookies, and it has been decided that the winnings will roll on to Saturday's game at Coventry.
To end a fantastic night, a Special mention must go to Leeds based R's fans Vickie, Joe and Paul. I haven't known them that long and this is probably the norm for them, but travelling down from Yorkshire for a Tuesday night game is impressive support indeed! Vickie, this pic is for you!
QPR 1-2 West Brom
Despite a fine performance, Rangers were again left empty handed after a stunning goal for Zoltan Gera six minutes from time, gave Albion the victory in an enthralling game at Loftus Road. But certainly not for the first time this season, it was a classic case of 'what if?' for the R's.
Before the game, it was great to welcome back and catch up with 'California Hoop' Alan for the game and after a two week break, the gang were all upbeat and after the success at Leicester... and decided to attack the bookmakers again.
Onto the game and the first half was pretty even with both sides having chances and generally, Rangers were more than holding their own against their high flying opponents. But the second half sprung into life as the Baggies took the lead after 48 minutes - Koumas threaded the ball through to Phillips who turned Stewart to finish well.
The game looked to be slipping away from Rangers as Albion went looking to finish us off. But on the hour, Dexter Blackstock came off the bench and made an immediate impact - With the excellent Paul McShane keeping Cook quiet on the left, Rangers were using the right flank and on 63 minutes, Ainsworth crossed and the substitute headed home, 1-1.
Rangers then had a golden chance to take the lead as Furlong broke through and was brought down by Clement for a penalty. Furlong took the kick himself and Dean Kiely broke Rangers hearts by diving to his right to save. The game could now have gone either way and on 84 minutes, it was Albion who made the breakthrough. Ellington eventually got the better of Mancienne to cross for Zoltan Gera - who finished with a stunning volley.
QPR: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth (Ricketts 82), Cook, Stewart, Idiakez (Lomas 13), Furlong, Nygaard (Blackstock 61), Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka.
Lofty's Man of the Match - Gareth Ainsworth
The manner of the Rangers performance, meant that I hadn't felt so choked at the end of a game for a long time. I have no doubt that if Furlong's penalty had gone in, we would have gone on to win the game. Sometimes, it can just be a case of taking your chances and sadly for Rangers, Albion took theirs. However a lot of heart can be taken from the performance and also that yet again, other results meant that we are still out of the bottom three.
As for our result at the bookies this week... well, let's not talk about this one ;-)
Just checked the current Leaderboard of the QPRNet.com's Fantasy Rangers Competition. Click the link below...QPRNet.com LeaderboardI have a nosebleed
... why I no longer post about England games on Lofty Heights;ISRAEL 0-0 ENGLANDEnough said I think...
John Gregory has beaten the loan deadline by minutes to sign Wolves midfielder Rohan Ricketts on loan until the end of the season.
Rohan can play in 7 of our remaining 8 games as the term of his loan means that he cannot play against Wolves in our final away game.
And there is more good news as Zesh Rehman has joined League One Brighton on loan until the end of the season.
