Npower Football League Championship
Saturday 7th August 2010
Loftus Road Stadium
Referee: J J Linington
Attendance: 13,445
Queens Park Rangers 4-0 Barnsley
By The Godfather

Queens Park Rangers starting line-up: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry, Hall, Taraabt, Helguson, Faurlin, Mackie, Gorkss, Ephraim.

Barnsley starting line-up: Steele, Hassell, McEveley, Shackell, Doyle, Foster, Lovre, Devaney, Hammill, Colace, Gray.

On Saturday I left Loftus Road feeling very excited about the season ahead. This was by no means a tremendous performance as the 4-0 scoreline might suggest, but there were some really promising signs in almost every department. I noticed that there was a real sense of belief and determination amongst the players, evidence of the impact that Neil Warnock has made. Of course, there are areas for improvement, an example being the lack of a quality goalscorer, but it is clear that there has been so much progress. Let us hope that it continues.

Barnsley, on the other hand, have clearly not progressed since the end of the previous campaign. I mentioned in my WATRB Championship Preview that the Tykes had one of the worst defensive records in the division last season, having conceded 69 goals. On the basis of this performance, it seems that Mark Robins hasn't addressed the issue properly. In truth, the away side looked quite vulnerable at the back, gifting Rangers two of their goals. Unless the manager utilises what remains of the transfer window, there is no doubt that they will struggle. It is a shame because they actually looked very threatening in attack at times, hitting the woodwork on three occasions.

I was very impressed with QPR's new signings, with the possible exception of one. It was so refreshing to see two proper fullbacks in hooped shirts, with both Orr and Hill distributing the ball effectively and staying in position. Furthermore, I thought that Shaun Derry was excellent in the middle of the park, breaking up play and contributing creatively at times. Mackie, meanwhile, is clearly a very hard-working, pacey forward who has a lot to offer at this level: I was pleased to see him get on the scoresheet. Kenny, on the other hand, looked suspect, making a couple of errors, one of which very nearly resulted in a goal. Perhaps this was to be expected in view of the fact that he missed most of last season. I'm sure that, given time, he will prove to be a good addition.

I must give a special mention to Adel Taraabt, who, I have to say, was absolutely superb on Saturday afternoon. He won the first penalty, forcing the defender into committing a foul. Then, of course, he converted the second spot-kick, calmly firing into the bottom corner of the net. In my view, the Moroccan is one of the best in the division and I am sure that, under the guidance of Warnock, he will continue to thrive.

First half

The manager opted for what appeared to be a very flexible 4-2-3-1 formation. Kenny started in goal, with the back four consisting of Hill, Gorkss, Hall and Orr. Derry took up the defensive midfield role, whilst Faurlin, Taraabt and Ephraim supported Helguson in attack. This formation proved to be a success and I wouldn't be surprised to see Warnock choose a similar system for next Saturday's trip to Sheffield United.

It quickly became clear that the manager has already made his mark on the team's style of play. Over the last few years, we have become used to attractive passing patterns that, impressive as they may be, reaped little success. Warnock favours a more direct approach, which is very effective at this level. QPR's build-up play was quicker and far more aggressive.

The opening exchanges were scrappy, but very lively. It was the away team who forced the first chance of the match with just three minutes on the clock, after Devaney had forced a corner on the right flank. The resulting set piece found Stephen Foster unmarked in the penalty area, who sent his powerful header flying over the crossbar.

Queens Park Rangers responded by carving out a golden opportunity in the 12th minute, leading to the latest in Heidar Helguson's collection of astonishing misses. Taraabt's corner was headed across the face of goal, with the ball falling to the Icelandic striker just a couple of yards out. Somehow he headed it over.

Taraabt was at the centre of the action in the 14th minute, cutting inside and drilling a powerful shot at goal. Luke Steele, the Barnsley goalkeeper, made a very good save, pushing the ball out for a corner. Moments of magic like this sometimes make the difference and that is why the Moroccan is such a valuable player to possess.

Barnsley, however, boast a star player of their own. Hugo Colace is a very talented midfielder, who won the club's Player of the Year award last season for his outstanding performances. And, in the 19th minute, he came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Picking up the ball 25 yards out, he sent a powerful drive flying towards the top corner. Fortunately, it missed the target, clipping the post on its way into the Lower Loft.

At the other end, Adel Taraabt served as the provider in the 29th minute, picking out Jamie Mackie in the penalty area with a superb lofted pass. Unfortunately, the former Plymouth Argyle forward wasn't able to control the ball and it bounced out of play for a goal kick. Although this was an impressive display from Mackie, I feel that his first touch needs improvement.

Rangers finally made the breakthrough in the 39th minute, thanks to more good work from Taraabt. Picking the ball up outside the penalty area, he beat Jason Shackell with ease before forcing Nathan Doyle into making a foul. The referee immediately pointed to the spot (and, having watched the TV highlights, I think it was the right decision). Helguson coolly dispatched the resulting spot-kick - if only he could show the same composure in open play.

However, the Tykes almost struck back just before half time. A free kick was floated into the penalty area, which Kenny came to collect. To my horror, he flapped at the ball and dropped it. Fortunately, Shackell somehow managed to miss, directing his effort against the woodwork. This was a lucky escape for Kenny, who tried to hide his embarrassment by feigning injury.

Half-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Barnsley

Second half

Barnsley substitution: Devaney off for Hume (45 minutes).

The Tykes actually started the second half very strongly indeed. It seemed that QPR were sitting too deep and, as a consequence, Barnsley were able to pile on the pressure. Their efforts were almost rewarded in the 46th minute, when Iain Hume managed to find new signing, Goran Lovre, on the edge of the box. Luckily, his smashed effort hit the post and deflected out of play.

A few minutes later, Barnsley were very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. A free kick was sent curling into the penalty area and, for reasons only known to himself, Fitz Hall inexplicably handled the ball. I have absolutely no idea what "One Size" was attempting here.

Just as it seemed that Barnsley would find an equaliser, they gifted Queens Park Rangers a second goal, thanks to a very poor piece of goalkeeping by Luke Steele. Hogan Ephraim, who looked more effective than he did last season, sent a low cross into the penalty area. At first it appeared that the Tykes keeper had gathered it, but then, incredibly, he spilled the ball into the path of Jamie Mackie. The Rs' new signing completed the simple task of tapping it into the net.

In truth, Barnsley collapsed after that second goal. After a shaky start to the second period, the Super Hoops were now cruising and it seemed only a matter of time before they added a third to the scoreline. And, once again, the Tykes gifted it to them.

In the 61st minute, the Barnsley defence had an opportunity to clear the ball under very little pressure. However, bizarrely, they seemed to hesitate. Helguson capitalised, coming from behind and nicking the ball from Jason Shackell. Panicking, the Tykes defender brought the Icelandic forward to ground. Once again, the referee pointed to the spot. This time it was the skilful Taraabt who converted it, smashing it into the bottom corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Game over.

Ten minutes later, Barnsley almost scored an own goal. A QPR free-kick caused havoc in the penalty area, with a Tykes defender deflecting the ball towards his own net. Fortunately for the away side, Steele produced a magnificent save.

In the 71st minute, Helguson missed yet another sitter. Taraabt, once again, created the opportunity, progressing down the right-hand side and sending a lovely low cross into the penalty area. All the Icelandic had to do was make contact with the ball, but it bounced through his legs and out of play. Heidar was lucky that the game had already been won because this was a truly shocking piece of striking.

Barnsley substitution: Hammill off for Heumann (72nd minute).

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Derry off for Leigertwood (76 minutes)

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Taraabt off for Parker (76 minutes).

After Taraabt and Derry had both left the field to standing ovations, QPR notched their fourth goal of the afternoon in some style. In the 81st minute, Faurlin released Ephraim down the right flank with a pinpoint through-pass. The winger then produced a superb low cross, which Fitz Hall converted from two yards out.

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Helguson off for German (82 minutes).

This had been a very entertaining match, and so it was a shame that it had to end with a disgraceful piece of cheating from Nathan Doyle. Alejandro Faurlin had embarked upon a skilful run into the opposition's half, only to be viciously pulled back by the Barnsley defender. In the confrontation that followed, he appeared to raise his fist towards the Argentinean. Doyle should consider himself fortunate only to receive a yellow card.

Bookings:

QPR - Bradley Orr

Barnsley - McEveley, Doyle.

Full-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 4-0 Barnsley

Conclusion

It often takes teams a while to gel and therefore I was very surprised that QPR won on the opening day of the season so convincingly. Generally, I thought that the Rs looked like the kind of team that achieves success in this division: strong, fast and aggressive. As I've mentioned, there has clearly been a massive improvement from last season. I just hope that the players approach every fixture with the same kind of attitude and commitment.

However, do not be fooled by the 4-0 scoreline. Rangers still desperately lack a proven goalscorer. Helguson, despite his involvement in the two penalties, is simply not good enough. We cannot afford to have a striker who squanders the amount of chances that he does. Hopefully, Warnock will have managed to sign a new forward by next Saturday's fixture against Sheffield United.

Man of the match: Adel Taraabt - I am pleased to say that there are several contenders for this award, but it has simply got to go to the Moroccan. He was outstanding, constantly causing Barnsley problems.