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Palace 1-1 QPR
Crystal Palace literally stole a point this afternoon as Clinton Morrison, scored his regular goal against us, to deny Rangers the win they so richly deserved.
Well, people that know me and indeed, regular readers of these pages will know that the fixture - Crystal Palace away, is probably my least favourite of the season. Although a London derby, you could get to a northern away game quicker. PK, Vickie, Joe, Paul and myself squeezed into the car for a journey in that we hardly moved out of second gear. We did however, arrive in good time to take our seats, £25 seats come to that, but at least it is worth paying extra for the wonderful view... I am joking of course ;-)
Anyway, thats my annual moan about Selhurst Park out of the way and onto the game and if you would have offered me the draw before the match, I would have taken it, without a doubt. But at the final whistle it almost felt like a defeat as Palace stole a point in the 88th minute. Morrison headed home Kennedy's free kick - a free kick which was dubious to say the least and the incident will be omitted from tomorrow's Championship programme I'm sure (it was!). Rangers had led since the 44th minute after Scott Sinclair headed home the impressive Buzsaky's cross.
But in the second half, Rangers dominated proceedings and eventually, were left to rue their missed opportunities. The Palace keeper, with an extremely dodgy looking hairstyle, Julian Speroni, had an absolute blinder and got the better of two one on ones - denying firstly, Adam Bolder and later, Scott Sinclair who were both put through by Buszaky. Speroni then denied Rowan Vine with another fine save and at this point, you just couldn't help feeling that we would be made to pay for the missed chances and pay for it, we certainly did. Vine was replaced by Ben Sahar in the final minute and although I don't recall the Chelsea loanee touching the ball, I'm sure his Mum will be proud of him all the same... sorry, just couldn't resist.
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Bolder (Rehman 90), Buzsaky, Rowlands (Ainsworth 86), Vine (Sahar 90), Timoska, Leigertwood, Sinclair. Subs: Cole, Nardiello.
Lofty's Man of the Match - well, for me today there were 3 main contenders - Akos Buzsaky had an inspired game sitting just behind Rowan Vine and was at the heart of most of what Rangers created. Timoska had a superb match at the back. But with a performance that completely determined the outcome of game, the award goes to Palace keeper, Julian Speroni.
To sum up, this was a good result on paper and as mentioned, I would have certainly taken a point before kick off. But this was definitely a case of two points dropped. Luigi De Canio has now had a win, a loss and a draw but the early signs are more than encouraging with some lovely football being played by the R's. Must also mention the fantastic R's support at Selhurst today, officially given as 2,205 - never stopped singing and supporting the team throughout. However, I was slightly disappointed that many didn't spot Chris 'Incredible Jeff' Kamara in the TV gantry - would have dearly loved some choice, but obviously light hearted banter there, especially when he was going live on air back to the Sky Sports studio.
QPR 1-2 Coventry
Rangers five match unbeaten run came to an end as a last minute header from Kevin Kyle gave Coventry all three points in what overall, was a disappointing night at Loftus Road.
Well, firstly, it was great to welcome back California Hoop, Darren, Mark and Holly back to the fold, as well as yet another impressive midweek turnout from the Leeds contigent, despite a few minor hiccups on route ;-). But before the game, the first disappointment of the night came when the team was announced, with no Hogan Ephraim in it? Now, some are saying that his loan finshed at midday and others that Sinclair was picked ahead of him and he left the stadium. Whatever it was, I hope it was amicable and we can look forward to seeing Hogan back in January?!
Onto the game, and the events of a drab first half, probably went a long way to determine the final outcome as we lost Martin Cranie, Mikele Liegertwood and Marc Nygaard, all to injuries. It was clear that the constant reshuffling completely rattled Rangers and we were looking lost at times. On the subject of injuries, the news that Martin Cranie has a suspected fractured fibula is extremely disappointing and I am sure you would all join me in wishing him well in his recovery.
The second half started more lively and on 50 minutes, Rangers were in front. A long ball from Damion Stewart wasn't dealt with by Coventry and new signing, Akos Buzsaky picked up the ball before lashing the ball home from 20 yards. I hope I have described the goal accurately for PK who sadly, was still finishing his half time pint ;-)
The lead lasted just 10 minutes when the inform Mifsud, brought the Sky Blues level, when despite looking a mile offside - rounded Camp and slotted home despite Timoska's best efforts to clear. The goal seemed to spark the Coventry fans into life, but why on earth would anyone want to sing a song written for them by Jimmy Hill?? Anyway, with no further options to change the game for Luigi De Canio, it began to fizzle out towards a draw. But in stoppage time, Kevin Kyle headed home to give Coventry all three points.
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Vine, Nygaard (Nardiello 44), Leigertwood (Bolder 39), Cranie (Timoska 20), Sinclair. Subs: Cole, Ainsworth.
Lofty's Man of the Match - Damion Stewart who led the line superbly following Cranie's departure.
On balance, Coventry probably just about shaded it for me. They looked well organised and although physical at times, worked their socks off throughout. Cranie, Liegertwood and Nygaard have all been superb in recent weeks, so to lose all three was bound to unbalance the team and I am happy to put this one down to being 'one of those nights'. It will also be interesting to see how the new regime will respond to this last gasp defeat and prepare the team for Saturday, at Palace. Best we just put this one to bed I think...
QPR have today sign the highly rated Chelsea midielder, Scott Sinclair on loan. The 18 year old is eligible to play against Coventry tonight and will remain at Loftus Road up to and including, Saturday 15th December.
Welcome and Good Luck Scott!!!
QPR 2-0 Hull
The beginning of a new QPR era saw superb goals from Hogan Ephraim and Mikele Liegertwood - as the R's beat Hull 2-0 at Loftus Road to get new boss, Luigi De Canio off to a winning and perfect start. The result was a repeat of last years against the Tigers, which ironically, was John Gregory's first game in charge.
The day started well enough for me as on route to the Stadium, I was lucky enough to get one of the R's benefactors and formula one supremo, Bernie Ecclestone to sign my match programme (thanks Sammi!). So, onto the stadium and although there was a definate upbeat mood around the place, many were expressing concerns about the team selection. But fortunately, there was only one change from last weeks impressive win at Charlton, as Adam Bolder made way for new signing, Akos Buzsaky.
Onto the game and in truth, Rangers started nervously as you would probably expect with all things considered and Hull, although without threatening, were setting the early pace. But the impressive Rangers midfield soon began to get grips with the game and on 26 minutes, we saw the first goal of the De Canio era and what a goal it was too! Rowlands superb pass found Hogan Ephraim, who against my better judgement of screaming for him to hit the touchline and cross, made me eat my words and cut inside, before smashing the ball into the net from 25 yards.
If Hogan's goal wasn't good enough, then enter Mikele Liegertwood, who when joining us, it wasn't really for his goalscoring record - if you saw his miss at Charlton, then you will know what I am talking about. However, that miss was considered by many as an easy chance, but Mikele just doesn't do easy chances - take his 25 yard rocket away at Leicester for example. Today, he picked up a loose ball outside the penalty area, evaded a challenge and curled an absolute beauty into the top right hand corner.
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Buzsaky (Ainsworth 86), Rowlands, Ephraim, Vine (Nardiello 90), Nygaard (Bolder 82), Leigertwood, Cranie. Subs: Cole, Timoska.
Lofty's Man of the Match - Mikele Liegertwood - an awesome midfield performance and an awesome goal to boot.
Well, if any one had any doubts about how the players would react following Mick Harford's departure, then you can put them straight to bed now. This was a very decent all round team performance and we are finally now out of the dreaded bottom three - and rightly so. The players are looking so hungry and confident, which certainly is refreshing to say the least and we played some real good football along the way. Also, we are now unbeaten in 5, with another clean sheet and only one goal shipped in that time - which incidentally was a quality goal from Ipswich's Legwinski - not to be sneezed at!
We now have a situation where Rowan Vine's loan has come to an end and Hogan plays the last game of his loan spell against Coventry on Tuesday night. But for now, I am not even thinking about that, all in all, it was a great performance, a great result with some great goals - a great day for all at QPR!!
Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky is Luigi De Canio's first signing as QPR manager. The Plymouth midfielder has arrived initially on loan with a view to a permanent £500k deal in January.
The 25 year old midfielder will go straight into the squad for Saturday's game agaisnt Hull and will be wearing the legendary Number 10 shirt.
WELCOME AND GOOD LUCK AKOS!!
Luigi De Canio has been confirmed as the new QPR manager with first choice Francesco Guidilon returning to Italy and caretaker manager Mick Harford leaving the club with immediate effect.
The 50-year-old, who has led Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and more recently Siena, has signed a three-year contract at Loftus Road.
Sadly, De Canio's arrival has meant the departure of Mick Harford from the club. Harford was offered a position with the new regime but unfortunately turned it down. Mick had steadied the ship since John Gregory's departure and the results have been great, the defending fantastic and the players all seemed to like and get on with him.
So, I would like to say welcome and good luck to Luigi and also wish Mick Harford all the very best for the future. Goodbye Mick and thank you!!
Charlton 0-1 QPR
Rangers clinched their first away win of season and their first win at The Valley for 25 years to climb off the bottom of the table. A second half goal from Adam Bolder was enough, but in truth, it could have been so much more as Rangers impressed in front of the dreaded Sky Cameras.
With the game being televised, it was an early start for myself and PK, an earlier start for Corp and California Hoop who joined the Prawn Sandwich brigade for the day... and an even earlier start for the Leeds contingent. The journey was surprisingly good and the M25 surprisingly quiet as we heard reports from the box of champagne and steak being dished up from Charlton's corporate offerings. But it didn't bother us too much as the sat nav, making it's debut today, took us to the Woolwich Ferry for a very pleasant litte jaunt across the water. We arrived in plenty of time before kick off and was very impressed with the developments made to The Valley since my last visit. The same could not have been said for the away end though as many, not just someone who stands at 6ft 5, struggled to get both cheeks of their arse fully on the seat.
Onto the game, and Rangers more than held their own against their high flying opponents. On chances created, Charlton had slighlty the better of the first half, the best falling to Luke Varney who blazed over when put under pressure from Stewart. Rangers however, had a good shout for a penalty following what looked like a blatant handball from Chris Iwelumo. But our old friend, referee Lee Probert wasn't at all interested.
Onto the second half and it was all Rangers and we had a great chance to take the lead on 50 minutes. Rowan Vine was tripped by Fortune in the box and Probert pointed at the spot. Martin Rowlands confidently stepped up, oblivious to Danny Mills best attempts to distract him - and although the penalty was struck well enough, it smacked the post and rebounded to safety.
Despite the setback, the Rangers following got fully behind the team and Stewart, Vine and Liegertwood all had decent chances. But the lead was finally ours on 72 minutes - Ephraims shot was charged down to Barker, who crossed high into the box. Weaver and Nygaard both challenged and the ball fell loose to Bolder who stabbed the ball home to send the away end beserk.
As you would expect, the home side put us under some pressure in the final minutes, but were frustrated time and time again by the excellent QPR back four... did I just say that??
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Bolder, Rowlands, Ephraim, Vine, Nygaard, Leigertwood, Cranie. Subs: Cole, Bignot, Ainsworth, Sahar, Moore.
Lofty's Man of the Match - a good few contenders today with Sky giving it to the excellent Rowan Vine. Damion Stewart was immense for us at the back, Ephraim and Rowlands were a constant threat on the flanks and Nygaard was impressive again and was a headache for the Charlton defenders all afternoon. But my award today, goes to Martin Cranie for a performance that was a class above.
What more can be said after a performance and result such as this? It was in my opinion, our best of the season so far and I have no doubt that mine and PK's burger and onions after the game, tasted just as good as Corp and Al's steaks. But with all the talk in recent weeks of new managers, the on/off saga with Francesco Guidolin and the new name in the frame, being Luigi Di Canio, the question has to be asked as have Rangers already got just what we need right under our noses? He has settled the club down, tightened up the back four, has us playing decent football and is getting results - all in the space of just under 4 weeks in charge.
Anyone else think we shoud give the job to Mick Harford??
