Rover and Out??

Doncaster 2-0 QPR

QPR literally gifted Doncaster a comfortable 3 points, as the winless run extended to 8 games at the Keepmoat Stadium.



Just myself and Lee, made the long, but extremely easy trip to the Keepmoat Stadium, so easy in fact that we actually beat our Leeds based friends to the post, arriving shortly after 5pm. We then spent a pleasant pre match, walking around the shopping centre, then onto the local McDonalds, where we were served by a charming young lady by the name of 'Matthew'?!??

Sadly, from there on in, the pleasantries began to fade as we made our way into the Keepmoat to further negativity amongst the travelling faithful. I cannot reveal sources obviously, but insist they are reliable and from what we were hearing, it wouldn't be at all surprising if Paulo Sousa was no longer QPR's Manager in the VERY near future. I am hoping that this is NOT true of course, but with Mr Briatore at the helm, it would hardly be surprising that Rangers would be looking for their fourth Manager of the season. I will comment no further at this stage as I do not want to expose the Club as an even bigger joke than it already is...



However, the match itself saw a disjointed Rangers put in another disappointing performance and on arriving home shortly after 1am, I was interested in reading Sousa's post match comments;

"If you want to achieve the project of the board - the Premier League - you need players who have a lot of personality. It's a good moment to analyse that."

It maybe just me, but isn't that saying that the players didn't fancy it? The R's were in fact, in full control of this game until the 22nd minute. There was no danger and no pressure as Stewart went to clear a long ball from Matt Mills and he headed back to where he thought his keeper was standing. But Cerny had raced off his line to collect the ball himself and could only watch helplessly as it sailed passed him into the empty net.

The heads went down and Rangers went to pieces and on 30 minutes, Paul Heffernan made it 2-0 - heading home after latching onto a flick from Sam Hird following a corner. The second half was marginally better and Rangers controlled the game possession wise, but although there were a few half chances, I am almost positive that we would NOT have scored had we still been playing at midnight.

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Gorkss (Lopez 52), Stewart, Connolly, Routledge, Mahon, Leigertwood (Miller 79), Alberti (Rose 52), Blackstock, Di Carmine. Subs Not Used: Hall, Balanta.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Peter Ramage. Only Ramage, Cerny and Connolly can come out of this match with any sort of credit I am very sad to say...

In summary, I really hope this isn't the end of Paulo Sousa's reign at Loftus Road, he, like any Manager will need time. But with the insistance of the owners that it is a 4/5 year plan for Rangers to reach the Premier League, time is something that has proved not be in great generosity to QPR Managers.

To finish on a positive note and yes, there was a couple - it was great to see Rowan Vine warming up with the team before the kick off and it surely won't be long now before we see Rowan back in action following his long lay off. Also, like myself, I guess that the majority of the R's fans at the Keepmoat tonight, were there to chalk off a new ground. But nevertheless, credit must go to the 600 odd QPR fans at the game, who gave the side tremendous support throughout, in what was a very trying evening...

R's on The Road to Doncaster

This coming Tuesday night Rangers fans have the long trip up to Doncaster on their first ever visit to the Keepmoat stadium in what seems to be a challenging encounter for the visitors. Lee Brown brings his now regular look at what lies ahead for the R's fans making the journey.



The Stadium.

Current capacity - 15,231

Doncaster moved into the Keepmoat stadium at the start of 2007, playing Huddersfield Town on New Years Day . After spending 84 years at their previous home, Belle Vue. The stadium is very similar to the new stadium that are built nowadays, it is shaped like a bowl, is used as a multi purpose venue and is the host to not only Doncaster Rovers, Doncaster Belles and Doncaster Lakers Rugby league team also have The Keepmoat as their home.

The stadium cost £21million to build and is the only stadium in the Football League(apparently) to be housed next to a lake.

Away fans are housed in the North Stand that traditionally holds 3,344 supporters. The view of the pitch, leg room and facilities in this stand are all said to be pretty good. The one downfall about the stand (and the rest of the ground included) is that there is a substantial tarmaced strip that runs around the outside of the pitch and pushes the fans further away from the pitch than we would all like.



From some of the reviews I have read about this ground in particular, the atmosphere is said to be very good and despite the 'bowl' stadia that usually loses a lot of noise, this one does hold it all in. We can also look forward to having cheerleaders entertaining us before the game and during the half time interval.

The History between the teams.....

At Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rvs. 3
Q.P.R. 1
Draws 1

The last time the two teams locked horns was in an FA cup match in the 1984/85 season. Doncaster run out 1-0 winners in that game. The last competitive league match was way back in the 1966/67 season, we can all remember this season for Rangers greatest moment in history! The match ended in a 1-1 draw, the only draw in this fixtures history (although there isn’t much history!)

How to get there.

This is a very easy ground to find, the hardest part of the journey is the distance. Travel up the M1 and leave at junction 32 to join the M18. Leave the M18 at junction 3 and you are only a mile away from the ground. There are a limited number of parking spaces at the stadium, around 1000 i am lead to believe and it will cost about £5 to park there. I am unaware of any other parking opportunities in and around the ground but I am sure there will be an alternative option if needed.



Pubs 'n' Grub

As the stadium is on the outskirts of town, there is not much choice in pubs as there are not any nearby. However through the Lakeside there is a Beefeater outlet (by Stadium Way), if you come off the M18 at junction 3 should should be able to catch sight of it. There is also another option if needed. There is a bowling alley by the Vue cinema on the other side of the lake that may appeal to some of us.

Food inside the ground includes- Pies (including the Chicken Balti pie), Pasties and Vegetarian 'Pizza Pods are supplied by Shire Foods and cost £2.30 each. Burgers and Hot Dogs are also available.

Preview

Despite defeat away at Cardiff on Saturday, Doncaster are one of the form teams in the Championship at present and many R's fans will be looking at a certain defeat with this one. Victory for Donny will bring them level on points with QPR, but the R's will stay above them with a far superior goal difference, yes, it's actually true. However, when the chips are down, Rangers are known to dog deep and surpised everyone and if this season isn't just going to fizzle out and go flat, the R's will need to bring something home from the Keepmoat, however they manage to get it? Whichever way you look at it, this is a very, VERY tough game for QPR on Tuesday night.

QPR Fail to Cut Blades in Front of Goal...

QPR 0-0 Sheffield United

Missed chances again, proved costly for QPR in what was overall, a dull game at Loftus Road.



Sadly, since the announcement of the Season Ticket prices, it has coincided with the R's recent run of bad results and ultimately, has led to an extremely downbeat feeling around the place. No more so than outside the ground with very little positive talk about not only the Rs prospects against the Blades, but what lies ahead. Also, very strange that at this time and in the current economic climate, QPR have chosen to release a 'Boutique' range of merchandise - a QPR cashmere scarf at £120, a cashmere jumper at £275, hoodies and zip tops at £135 and mens and ladies trainers at £120 a pair!!?? With this in mind, it is actually my Birthday on Monday and as QPR have failed to deliver me 3 points for the occasion, if anyone needs any ideas...

Moving swiftly onto the game and with respect, it was all you would expect against Sheffield United - not pretty, lots of stoppages, lots of niggly little fouls and lots of whingeing, no more so than Blades midfielder, Stephen Quinn who was moaning the moment he walked out onto the pitch.

In saying that though, Rangers had much the better things and created plenty of chances. Dexter Blackstock had a frustrating afternoon and was unable to convert a number of opportunities, the best when he headed wide Leigertwood's cross in the second half. Later, came a scramble in the Blades box, during which Rangers somehow failed to score - Jordi Lopez mis-hit the ball towards Di Carmine and the Italian produced an equally woeful sliced shot that fell to Blackstock, whose header was superbly pushed out by Kenny. Gorkss should have buried the rebound but somehow managed to miss the target.

That wasn't the worst though and we knew it just was not going to happen when Blackstock turned provider, picking out Matteo Alberti who somehow, from ten yards, side footed the ball high and wide.

QPR: Cerny, Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Delaney, Lopez, Leigertwood (Ephraim 81), Miller (Alberti 54), Routledge, Di Carmine (Balanta 76), Blackstock. Subs Not Used: Mahon, Hall.

Lofty's Man of the Match - too close to call between these two so it goes to both Radek Cerny and Matt Connolly.

Albeit another disappointing afternoon, this was slightly better from Rangers and as mentioned at the start, missed opportunities have again cost us dearly. It's all very strange how quickly things can change. At the Ipswich game just 2 weeks ago, we were unbeaten in 9 and as I now write these notes, we are seven games without a win and without a home success since December. Two tough looking away games ahead will probably decide now, whether this season is just going to fizzle out, if it hasn't already...

Hmmmm....

QPR 0-1 Norwich

Perhaps a tad harshly, QPR were again booed from the field following their 3rd defeat in 4 games, this time to relegation threatened, Norwich



I don't want to go on too much about it, but since the announcement of next years Season Ticket prices, the mood amongst QPR fans has been lethargic to say the least and was certainly the case with the many I spoke to tonight. Ironically, since the announcement, two straight defeats have followed against teams who are fighting relegation.

In truth, Rangers didn't deserve to be beaten tonight and despite dominating in possession, were caught out in the 68th minute when some crazy defending led to Stewart playing the ball to Gorkss, who was then robbed by Hoolahan, who in turn lined up Russell, who's shot should've been dealt with by Cerny, but due to the slippery conditions, the ball squirmed away from his grasp and bobbled into the net.



Previously, QPR had dominated the game in which Norwich were awarded a first-half penalty before the referee reversed his decision, which brought great entertainment with the chant of 'there's only one lino' from the R's fans. In my opinion, it was a nailed on penalty. Helguson missed yet another sitter in the first minute, firing wide when clear on goal following good work from Blackstock. He missed a second sitter in the second half, somehow heading wide Delaney's excellent cross from the left.

Kaspars Gorkss missed a great chance late on, failing to get any kind of power on a header from Ephraim's cross. But as mentioned, despite dominating in possession, Rangers lacked that killer touch in the final third and Norwich hung on for a valuable, but undeserved three points.

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Blackstock, Gorkss (Hall 87), Connolly, Miller (Ephraim 68), López, Helguson (Di Carmine 74). Subs: Mahon, Alberti.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Jordi López

Although disappointed, I can't really believe how we lost this one. At times, Rangers played some good football but a lack of goals is costing us dearly and we need to start putting our chances away, Heidar Helguson take note please. On a positive note, Jordi López had a decent home debut and looks a very promising signing for us.

As mentioned, the final whistle brought more boos from the home crowd, perhaps unfairly on this occasion in my opinion, but despite the majority of the team trudging off the field without acknowledging the fans, I was warmed to see a dejected Damion Stewart, having to literally be dragged from the pitch by the QPR backroom staff. It's kind of nice to know that someone cares...

QPR Pay the Price...

Barnsley 2-1 QPR

QPR's play off hopes took another set back, with both a defeat and a dire performance away at Barnsley.



Okay, well the opening line maybe a bit harsh I guess? Harsh on Barnsley who thoroughly deserved the three points with the difference being, they wanted it!!

Despite leaving later than we wanted to, it was just myself and PK today and a breeze of a journey saw us arrive at Oakwell just after 1pm where we met with Leeds based R's friends who had a much shorter journey than the norm for this one. Much of the talk beforehand was with regards to the recently announced Season Ticket prices for next year. I will elaborate with mine and my friends feelings on this in a second, because trust me, the report will NOT take long!

After a scrappy opening, Barnsley took the lead on 26 minutes when Mifsud found space on the left and aimed a pinpoint cross for the far post where Bogdanovic was waiting 'unmarked' to guide a smart header inside the post. The lead lasted just nine minutes when Rangers produced an almost carbon copy strike to level. Matteo Alberti showed a neat touch on the left and his cross found Damien Delaney, whose cool header deceived keeper Heinz Muller. At the time, we thought it was Blackstock's goal and even Sky gave it to the R's frontman. But it was, clearly Delaney's and a fine header it was too.



But two minutes before half-time the Tykes were again gifted a goal. Da Dilva's first shot was blocked by Kaspars Gorkss, but the Brazilian saw the opportunity when the ball dropped for him again in the area and he lashed a low shot to beat Cerny.

The second half as far as Rangers were concerned, was a non event and if anyone was going to score again, it would have been Barnsley, who won this game in midfield where Rangers were sadly lacking.

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Blackstock, Gorkss, Connolly, Miller (Rose 55), Alberti (Lopez 69), Helguson (Di Carmine 80). Subs: Mahon, Hall.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Matt Connolly

Moving swiftly on and from one disappointment to another - QPR last week announced that they have brought back the early bird renewal for next years Season Tickets and the prices have been frozen. Good news you may think? But no, with the reduction in VAT, they have infact risen if you look at it that way? Also, to take advantage of this offer, you have until mid April to sign up for next season at the same, heavily increased price we paid for this season. Now, for most, there is just ONE more pay day between now and then and in my case, to find £600.

The most worrying thing of all is, that if you are unable to take up the early bird offer, which, always used to have the incentive of purchasing at a reduced price, your Season Ticket is again going up and QPR have somewhat conveniently, omitted the after early bird prices from the latest release on the Official Website. I really dread to think of what they may now be increasing too.

Yet again, QPR are asking us to pay for a product we have not yet received and yesterday's showing, went a long way to showing just how far we are away from the Premier League. With the evidence right in front of their eyes, with the ground yet to be full for any fixture this season and the much hyped 'C Club' a third full at best at every home game, the board have obviously not learned their lesson. They are not football people and for the second year running, the real football people, the supporters are going to have to suffer...

R's On The Road to Barnsley...

Lee Brown brings you some info, hints and tips for those R's fans making the weekend trip Oakwell.



On Saturday we embark on another challenging away trip, this time Barnsley host the superhoops.

The Stadium.

Current Capacity - 23,009 (all seated)

Oakwell was heavily invested on in the 90's with 3 of the 4 stands being redeveloped and the remaining stand, The West Stand, keeping its classic look from when it was originally built in 1904. The only changes made to it have been converting it into an all seater stand to comply with regulations in the mid 90's.

Away fans are usually housed in the North Stand which was the last of the 3 to be developed in 1999. It also provided a state-of-the-art home for the Academy Complex, changing rooms, class rooms and physio facilities. It has a capacity of 6000. Away allocations usually start at 2000 but can be extended to 6000 upon request.If there are only away fans in the North Stand then alcohol will be available on the day, however if home fans are mixed in with us then the bar will be available to the away supporters as the bar is located on the far side of the stand.

An unusual feature of the ground, is a purpose built stand for disabled supporters. This is a three floor structure that sits at the corner between the East & South Stands. There is also a new electric scoreboard at one corner of the North Stand, on top of a newly constructed security control room.

In the future the West Stand will be re-developed but no plans or timescales have been put in place as yet so we will await further news there, if and when we have to travel back up to Oakwell.

The History between the teams at Oakwell.

Played 21
Barnsley 12
Q.P.R. 3
Draws 6

Goals
Barnsley 44
Q.P.R. 21

In recent years Rangers haven’t enjoyed much, if any success up at Oakwell but Mon 12th April 2004 saw one of the most memorable clashes between the sides to date. Rangers were 5 games away from clinching the remaining automatic promotion spot in League 1, Bristol City were 1 point behind (I think) and will be playing the day after so it was vital to get a positive result to maintain momentum.

Things started off fantastically when a Tony Kay own “goal” gave Rangers the lead as Rangers pressure finally got the better of the home team. However after seeing a photo of whether the ball had actually gone fully over the line at was evident that it was nowhere near crossing the line, the ball had hardly even touched the line let alone gone over it!



With Rangers 2-1 up, Ian Holloway sacrificed a striker and Marcus Bean entered the fray to solidify the midfield and bring home the points for the visitors. Disaster stuck in the final 10minutes when Barnsley, looking buried, shocked the Superhoops and went 3-2 up, an unstoppable 25-30 drive into the top corner looked to of broken the hearts of the travelling faithful.

Yet there was still life in the travelling side and Paul Furlong grabbed which proved to be a vital vital goal for Rangers, a soft shot dribbling into the bottom left corner in injury time to send the away fans into what was an absolutely mental celebration, it was almost as if we had won the league with it. That point proved to be a telling one as Rangers went on and got promotion by a single point from Bristol City. A fantastic day of entertainment!!



How to get there.

If you are travelling by car the journey couldn’t be any easier, apart from the time and distance of course. Travel up the M1 and leave at junction 37. Head for Barnsley and the ground is clearly signposted all the way in. The signs will lead you to the visiting car park which is also extremely handy.

By train, again it couldn’t be any simpler. Once u get off at the station, the town is on the right, do avoid it as it can get uncomfortable when you are in colours, if you go left and start walking up a hill it will lead you to the Metro leisure centre (which I shall mention in a sec) just before you get to the leisure centre if you look to the left the ground will be staring you in the face and is a mere 2-5 minute walk from there via the car park.

Pubs n Grub.

Drinking in the town centre is generally not recommended, especially near the Bus & Train Stations, if you are not in colours you may have a hassle free time getting a drink but I highly recommend the Metro Dome leisure centre to be the choice of boozer for the match day experience.

There is a mixture of home and away fans in here but it is predominantly there for away fans. You can either just enjoy a pre match beverage there or if you are feeling peckish then a full menu is there for your choosing. A large area behind the bar for you to enjoy your drinks awaits, there is even a balcony there for you to go outside and enjoy the surroundings, fresh air or even crafty fag if you choose.

There is a McDonalds and KFC in town, but it is a bit of a walk from the ground. A burger van or 2 await to feed your hungry souls, or maybe u would take the risk to enjoy the food inside the ground (it is generally quite good). A few prices to list are - 'Football's Famous Chicken Balti Pie' (£2.30) is available inside the ground, along with cheeseburgers (£2.80), hot dogs (£2.70), sausage rolls (£2) and chips (£1.70).

Game Preview.

After the disappointing defeat to Ipswich the previous Saturday and the tough away trip to Cardiff on weds, this will be a far from easy game for Rangers.

Barnsley themselves are in a bit of bad form having won only 1 of the last 7 league games and that was against Sheffield Weds 2weeks ago. Barnsley have also won just 6 of their 16 home league games , so maybe this could be the day where Rangers can sneak a very much needed victory, especially as we look more likely to win away than we do at home currently.

Barnsley are currently 19th in the table and 3 points above the relegation zone, so Simon Davey's side will be out fighting for a vital win. Jamal Campbell-Ryce will be the danger man to look out for, he is the current top scorer on 8 goals. He has always looked a promising player when playing against us and totally outshines those around him.

The opportunity is there to put ourselves right back in the play off hunt and a battling away performance will be needed to bring the points back to West London.

U R'ssss

QPR Clip Bluebirds Wings...

Cardiff 0-0 QPR

QPR put last Saturday behind them, with an excellent point away at Cardiff, of which could well have been all three...



Myself and PK had tickets for this one, but as it was re arranged to a midweek affair, we had to give it a miss. Although I struggled to get any sort of commentary, I nervously watched on the BBC text service and it certainly appeared that the R's had made a decent account of themselves against their high flying opponents and personally, am delighted with this result.

After the game, R's boss, Paulo Sousa said (from bbc.co.uk);

'We played very well against a team that wants to be in the Premier League next season. After last week's poor performance against Ipswich, we showed everyone that we can play good football.

We have played well and created a lot of chances but we still need to win these games. When we don't get three points after playing so well it is frustrating but I'm always proud of the players, especially after coming here to a difficult place and doing so well.'

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon (Blackstock 88), Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Connolly, Cook, Miller (Alberti 58), Helguson (Di Carmine 90+1). Subs: Hall, Lòpez.