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Congratulations to David Beckham who became England's most capped outfield player (109), coming on as a second half substitute in the 4-0 win over Slovakia at Wembley yesterday.
Last night's game also showed us the new England home shirt which is released on 1st April. Personally, I don't know if I like this or not at the moment.
Discuss please...
What do you do if your team has overall, been struggling for goals all season? Answer: loan out your top scorer to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the season...
Nottingham Forest have completed the loan signing of Queens Park Rangers striker Dexter Blackstock until the end of the season and I am struggling to think just why QPR have done this? Well, it has been widely reported that Flavio Briatore is not a fan of the R's top scorer, so I guess that is that then...
Good Luck Dexter, hope you do well for Forest and more importantly, I hope you come back!!!
QPR 2-1 Bristol City
QPR made it two wins in a week, with a much deserved victory over play off chasing Bristol City at a very sunny afternoon at Loftus Road.
Unfortunately, the very welcome sunny spring weather, also brought the sight of PK in shorts yesterday who wasted no time in trying to get some early colour onto the legs. But things in general were a lot more upbeat before kick off yesterday following the excellent midweek win over Swansea. At the end of that game, there was more a sense of relief around the Stadium than anything else. But at the final whistle yesterday, there was pure, jubilation!
As mentioned, Rangers thoroughly deserved this win despite another pedantic referee. But in a relatively quiet first half, the R's should have taken the lead through Samuel Di Carmine. Adel Taarbat found the Italian striker in space near the edge of the penalty area, but Di Carmine's weak shot was easily pushed away by Basso. City also had two decent chances - McIndoe's cross was blasted over by an unmarked Ivan Sproule. Then Nicky Maynard fired over from ten yards following a rare mix-up in the R's defence.
In the second half, Jordi Lopez saw a free kick easily saved by Basso, but got another bite at the cherry minutes later and on 65 minutes, following a foul on Di Carmine, the Spanish midfielder put Rangers ahead with a superb 25-yard effort that curled into the top corner. 
Rangers looked comfortable enough until the 77th minute when McIndoe superbly volleyed home Sproule's cross to the far post. But 5 minutes later, great work from Cook set Delaney free on the left, who got free of his marker and crossed for Adel Taarabt to grab his first goal in English football, which sent the home crowd into raptures. Helguson and Routledge both had decent chances to extend the lead, but after four minutes of stoppage time, the whistle blew on what has been an excellent week for QPR.
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Leigertwood, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly (Helguson 61), Lòpez, Alberti (Routledge 46), Di Carmine (Cook 73), Ephraim, Taarabt. Subs: Mahon, Vine.
Lofty's Man of the Match - Jordi Lòpez
For the second game running, the man of the match was a tough one to call with so many good performances throughout the team. Defensively, we were solid enough, despite a change around when Leigertwood stepped in for the injured Connolly in the second half. The rejuvinated Peter Ramage also continued his fine recent form. Ephraim and Taarabt were again excellent in midfield, but for me, the goal from Lòpez was the clincher and his free kick as good as anything seen elsewhere.
Realistically although not impossible, the play off's may be beyond us now, but it is refreshing to see that the R's are not going to let the season just fizzle out. The recent poor run of form unfortunately coincided with the farcical season ticket announcement and has led to an extremely downbeat mood in and around Loftus Road of late. The last two games/results have certainly brought a few smiles back to the faces of QPR fans.
Never, say Never...
QPR 1-0 Swansea
QPR gained their first win in 10 games with a much deserved victory over Swansea at Loftus Road, with a goal from Mikele Leigertwood.
Well, I have to be honest after Rangers recent run, I was dreading this game. More so after hearing the starting line up which baffled many, with no Blackstock, Routledge and Stewart.
QPR: Cerny, Hall, Leigertwood, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly, Lòpez, Alberti, Di Carmine, Ephraim, Taarabt.
But I have to say, that after this much needed and much deserved win, Paulo Sousa got his tactics absolutely spot on tonight!!
The goal, QPR's first in four games, came on 30 minutes - Jordi Lopez swung in a deep cross from a free kick from the right wing and Leigertwood shrugged off his marker to head home past Dorus de Vries in the Swansea goal. There was much relief around Loftus Road and it seemed like we had almost forgotten how to celebrate a goal.
Swansea did have decent spells of possession, but found the R's back four resolute. The midfield also tonight were outstanding and QPR looked dangerous coming forward with Matteo Alberti having a fine game on the right. The highlight of the evening for me were the performances of home debutant, Adel Taarabt and Hogan Ephraim, who complimented eachother superbly and were a joy to watch.
QPR: Cerny, Hall (Delaney 84), Leigertwood, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly, Lòpez (Miller 87) Alberti, Di Carmine (Helguson 74), Ephraim, Taarabt. Subs: Vine, German.
Lofty's Man of the Match - Hogan Ephraim!
I must say, after many weeks, how refreshing it is to be sitting here writing these notes after not only a decent win, but a very decent performance. Also great to have so many choices for the man of the match - Radek Cerny and the back four were solid thoughout, with special mention to another great performance from Peter Ramage at right back. The midfield were awesome, with Ephraim, Alberti and Taarabt looking exciting when coming forward. Not forgetting Samuel Di Carmine who worked his socks off in his lone striking role.
There is not much more to say other than it was thoroughly enjoyable and long may it continue...
Southampton 0-0 QPR
QPR stretched their winless run to nine games in a goalless draw against relegation threatened Southampton. It was also Rangers fourth game without scoring.
I've mentioned this before I know, but Southampton away, is one of my favourite fixtures of the season. It's quick and easy to get too, Rangers always take a huge support and we have also, yet to be beaten at St Marys - and it has remained that way, although the Saints will have never had a better chance and I wasn't at all confident of getting anything from yesterday's match. The atmosphere and banter between the fans is also good and Bradley Wright-Phillips, or his recent misdemeanors, were a huge and very amusing factor for the 2,500 R's fans to focus on, for which I must say, he took in very good spirit.
In saying the ground is quick and easy to get to, myself, PK and the Henley mob were caught up for 45 minutes following an accident on the M3, but we still arrived in good time for a couple of drinks in the Chapel Arms.
Onto the game and in the 3rd minute,Southampton had a chance when Jason Euell broke through with only the Cerny to beat but his control let him down and he dinked the ball wide. Rangers then had much the better of things and Routledge missed a great chance on 22 minutes, heading wide from just 3 yards wide after Gorkss nodded across Lopez's corner.
In the second half, although Rangers seemed in control, the Saints had the better of the chances - Andrew Surman mis-hit a shot from ten yards with only goalkeeper Radek Cerny to beat and then in injury time, Surman again saw his effort cleared from near the line by Stewart. Adel Taarabt's shot at the death, forced a great save from Davies, but the referee blew the whistle soon after for a result that in truth, benefitted neither side.
QPR: Cerny,Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Blackstock, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly, Miller (German 71), Lòpez (Mahon 87), Ephraim (Taarabt 79) Subs: Hall, Alberti.
Lofty's Man of the Match - The back four all had decent games with Ramage again performing well, by just doing simple things. But the award this week goes to Kaspars Gorkss for another almost faultless display at the back.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives with as mentioned, a solid performance from the back four, the debut of youth team starlet, Antonio German up front and the introduction of loan signing, Adel Taarabt, who looks like he could be a very exciting signing indeed. Again, the major negative is that we failed to score for the fourth game running and it seriously looks like it is affecting the players now - this was more in eveidence yesterday than ever before in my opinion. Also on yesterday's evidence, it sadly looks as if we won't be returning to Southampton next season as they looked a very poor side indeed.
And to finish, last season, we took up the offer of doubling up for 50p at the Burger Van near the away end after the game, which led us firmly back there this season. Sadly, in the current economic climate, we weren't offered the same deal this time, but the double burgers were snapped up by us all the same, some more than others ;o). But with the text received from PK earlier this morning, it seems that the decision by some to have an extra burger, was the wrong one. I feel I need explain no further ;o)
QPR have today captured the loan signing of Spurs midfielder, Adel Taarabt until the end of the season.
The 19 year old, attacking, Moroccan International midfielder goes straight into the R's squad to face Southampton tomorrow. With the recent slump in form and a distinct lack of goals, many will question why, another midfielder? Howvever, many Tottenham fans with whom I work with, rate Taarabt extremely highly.
Good Luck Adel and WELCOME to QPR!!!
by Lee Brown.This coming Saturday the R's go on the road on a relatively short trip to St. Marys where in-form Southampton are the hosts.
The Stadium
Current capacity - 32.489
Southampton moved into their new(ish) St. Marys stadium in 2001, leaving their home for more than 100 years, The Dell. In 1898 Southampton St. Mary's, as they were known then, built a new home for the club, The Dell, as they were in the middle of their most successful period where they won the Southern League 6 times in 8 years between 1897 and 1904 and also played in 2 FA Cup finals in 1900 and 1902, losing both to Bury and Sheffield United respectfully. The Dell cost the Saints £10,000 back then and played host for the home team for 103 years before moving into the St. Marys stadium. The grounds name was adopted from their former club name Southampton St. Mary's and embrace in a little bit of nostalgia.
Traditionally away supporters are housed in the Northam Stand to the left hand side of the ground. There is usually an allocation of 3,200, this can be increased to 4,750 but this only ever occurs on cup tie occassions. The ground itself can be compared to Middlesborough's ground (The Riverside) for those who have not visited St. Mary's.
Personally speaking I find St. Mary's to be a fantastic stadium, plenty of atmosphere can be created and witheld within the constraits of the stands. There is plenty of leg room for when you are watching the game, plus a large concourse area for us all to enjoy a pre match discuss and maybe a pint or two.
The History between the teams
At Southampton (36 games)
Southampton 15
Q.P.R. 10
Draws 11
Since Southampton moved into their new home Rangers have never lost on their travels there, winning 2 and drawing once. This has definately been a lucky ground for us in recent years and has provided us with a good few memories to reminice a few times when the fixture comes back around. The last 2 encounters have ended in 2-1 and 3-2 wins for the R's, providing both sets of fans a great days entertainment along the way.
For me the most memorable game came on 30th Sept 2006 where Rangers won the game 2-1, but it will be remembered for a fantastic equaliser from the narrowest of angles after Ray Jones dispossessed Kelvin Davies on the far right on the penalty box (as we saw it from the stand) and cooly slotted home from an accute angle to send the away support into raptures.
How to get there
By Car :- The traditional way to reach Southampton is to use the M3 and turn off at junction 14 onto the A33. Continue down the A33 and follow Kingsway, which is on the ring road. Hit the B3038 which will lead you to Marine Parade and you will then hit the ground and can choose your parking destination.
Parking is very limited in the area, you can try and use a small industrial estate on the Northam side of the stadium, or alternatively use one of the few NCP car parks. The last option is to park a small way out of the city centre and use the park and ride facility which is located just off junction 8 of the M27. It is clearly signposted using the AA sign identity and is located near a big Tesco superstore. This service is free as you will have the park and ride ticket stubs on your match ticket.
By Train :- Plan your journey very carefully this weekend as there are engineering works meaning that the trains will be stopping a lot earlier than expected at Southampton Airport Parkway. Buses will be provided for football fans from here to Southampton Central, but your trip could be delayed by some time so please allow extra time when using this service.
Pubs 'n' Grub
There are many options open to fans in terms of pubs and food, which also makes the trip to the south coast so appealing.
As pubs go, i would recommend using a pub which is a stones throw from the ground. I am unsure of the name of it but i know it used to be Le Tissiers, it may be the Coopers Arms but please dont hold me to it.
If you choose to venture into the City centre for a beverage or food then you will have many options open to you. Yates would probably be my vote for the pub to use there, it hosts an equal amount of both home and away fans alike and is very friendly. As far as food goes, in the City centre you will have the usual choice of fast food chains, and a few healthier options around if you choose to go searching.
Plenty of burger vans are available around the stadium.
I do recommend holding on at the end of the game and approach the van across the road from the away stand as last year myself, Lofty, PK, Gordon and the rest of the Henley mob were offered the bargin of a lifetime! Double up for 50p! We did enjoy taking advantage of the cheap food on offer at the end of a very good day of football.
As always I have a small list of prices for the grub inside for us to enjoy pre match or durin half time. My picks this time around are - Hollands Pies (£2), Burgers (£2.50) and Hot Dogs (£2.50), a very limited list this week.
Game Preview
Southampton have hit a rich vain of form at home in recent weeks and under new manager Mark Wotte have started to play the total football that former manager Jan Poortvliet tried to get his side to play. The Saints looked like a team full of youth and inexperience until the last month or so, and with experienced goalkeeper and captain Kelvin Davis, with the likes of Jason Euell and Chris Perry also helping them along surely the future at St Mary's should be an exciting one with the likes of Andrew Surman coming through the ranks and establishing himself as one of the divisions brightest prospects over the last 2 seasons.
Rangers have now gone 8 games without a victory and a lack of goals is surely becoming a concern for the under pressure Paulo Sousa as he attempts to get the 'project' which is so often talked about back on track. Now with the R's 8 points off the play offs with a game in hand and everyone around them faltering at the same time everytime they slip up, can they start to pick up the vital points needed to secure their highest finish in recent years. May I just add, only 3 more points are needed to secure their place in the Championship next year...
