Tuesday 11th August 2009
The Carling Cup First Round
St James Park
Kick-off: 19:45
Referee: S J Bratt
Exeter City V Queens Park Rangers
By The Godfather

Tuesday night’s cup match against Exeter City presents a real challenge for Magilton’s team. We’ve enjoyed a measure of success in this competition in recent times, more so than in the FA Cup. That success came under Iain Dowie, who guided the Rs to a fourth round tie at Manchester United, even though he wasn’t at the helm when the game took place. So, how will the team fare under Magilton? It has to be said his managerial record in the League Cup isn’t particularly impressive. In three attempts with Ipswich, he only managed to get the Tractor Boys past the first round once, twice being knocked out by lower league opposition.

Exeter City

Two years ago Exeter City were playing in the Conference National, facing teams like Kettering Town and Forest Green Rovers. Now, after two successive promotions, Exeter City can look forward to competing with the likes of Norwich City, Leeds United, Charlton and Southampton in League One. As can be seen, manager, Paul Tilsdale, has worked wonders since joining the club in 2006.

The Grecians met Leeds United at Elland Road in their first League One fixture. Despite going a goal and a man down, City equalised in the second half through a wonderful free-kick from Alex Russell. Jermaine Beckford eventually won the game for the home side with just two minutes to go. However, if Exeter’s performance is anything to go by, the club will easily escape relegation.

In their first home game of the season, Exeter City will be hoping to impress their supporters and upset Queens Park Rangers. I’ve got a feeling that this is going to be a difficult match for Magilton’s side.

Men to watch

Marcus Stewart is someone who has experience at the very top level of English football. In 2001 he scored 19 goals for Ipswich Town in the Premier League, helping them to a UEFA Cup place – an astonishing achievement given that the club had been playing Championship (or “Division One” as it was called then) football the season before. Since Town’s relegation, Stewart has played for Sunderland, Bristol City and Yeovil. He signed for Exeter City at the beginning of last season and notched seven goals in League Two. Even at the age of 36, Stewart will pose a threat to the QPR defence.

After Barry Corr’s red card against Leeds United, Craig McAllister could partner Stewart in attack. The 29 year-old made an important contribution to City’s promotion campaign, netting seven goals.

As already mentioned, Alex Russell scored a stunning free-kick last Saturday against Leeds United. Expect to see him start in central midfield on Tuesday evening. Russell has enjoyed a long career but at the age of 36 will he be capable of dealing with the pace and skill of the QPR midfielders?

Bertie Cozic could start alongside Russell in midfield. The 31 year-old signed for Exeter in 2006 and has since made 65 appearances. The Frenchman lists Team Bath, Northampton Town and Kidderminster Harriers among his former clubs.

At the back, Tilsdale is likely to select central defender, Matt Taylor, in his starting line-up. A former FA Trophy winner, the 27 year-old has played a key role since joining Exeter in 2007.

Danny Seaborne could also start in the heart of defence. The 22 year-old has a lot of experience in the lower leagues of English football and in recent times has formed a robust defensive partnership with Matt Taylor. Expect to see the two central defenders provide the QPR frontline with a stern test on Tuesday evening.

Paul Jones is likely to continue in the goalkeeping position after a decent performance against Leeds United. At the age of only 23, Jones has already made 111 appearances for Exeter. He could have a bright future ahead of him.

Memorable Carling Cup matches

August 2006, Carling Cup First Round – Despite throwing away a 2-0 lead, Queens Park Rangers beat Northampton Town thanks to a late winner from the talented Ray Jones. Lee Cook took the lead for the Rs in the 18th minute, beating two players and smashing home from the edge of the area. Gallen doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the second-half. However, the Rs lost concentration and the Cobblers responded quickly. First, Watt’s ambitious long-range effort trickled past the inexperienced Jake Cole. Then, Kirk received the ball in the penalty box, turned and slotted it into the bottom corner. Just as it seemed that the game was heading for extra-time, Ray Jones headed into the roof of the net from Marcus Bignot’s cross.

Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Northampton Town

September 2008, Carling Cup Third Round – This victory over Aston Villa was arguably the highlight of the 2008/09 campaign. Against the likes of Gareth Barry and Ashley Young, a header from Damion Stewart won the match for the Rs. Villa dominated the opening exchanges and should have taken the lead when Harewood picked up the ball on the edge of the area. Fortunately, he fired well over the bar. After the break, Buzsaky’s corner was deflected out to Daniel Parejo on the wing, whose cross was headed in by Damion Stewart. The Premiership team pushed for an equaliser and Gareth Barry should have scored when put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he lifted the ball over the bar. Rangers held on for a famous cup win.

Aston Villa 0-1 Queens Park Rangers

Form

Queens Park Rangers, of course, come into this match on the back of a 1-1 draw with Blackpool. The result was disappointing given the amount of chances that the Rs had to put the game well beyond the Tangerines’ reach. Exeter, as already mentioned, lost their opening fixture at Leeds 2-1.

Referee

Steve Bratt will referee Tuesday evening’s match. The last time he took charge of a QPR game was on Boxing Day 2007 when the Rs faced Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. By all accounts his performance was very poor, awarding a controversial first-half penalty to the home team, booking ten players and sending off Mikele Leigertwood for protesting after the game. Let’s hope he has improved since then.

QPR Team News

I was relieved to hear that Martin Rowlands’ injury isn’t as serious as first thought.According to physio, Paul Hunter, “he should be back in training in the next few days”. Nevertheless, he is unlikely to be involved in tomorrow’s match. Heidar Helguson and Adel Taraabt are away on international duty. Alejandro Faurlin is still sidelined after picking up a knock during pre-season. Mikele Leigertwood and Allesandro Pellicori could be involved after missing the Blackpool match.

Prediction

Queens Park Rangers’ approach play was excellent against Blackpool. Balanta and Routledge caused so many problems for the Blackpool full-backs and Rowlands was dominant in midfield. However, as we all know, the Rs were let down by some very poor finishing. Perhaps that will change if Pellicori is given a start. Who knows?

In short, if Queens Park Rangers are able to take some of the opportunities that they will inevitably create, they will win the match quite comfortably. If not, Exeter City could well cause an upset, even if it is against the run of play. To be optimistic, I’ll predict a 2-0 victory for the Rs.

Exeter City 0-2 Queens Park Rangers