Saturday 11th September 2010
Npower Football League Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Referee: M P Russell
Attendance: 14,784
Queens Park Rangers 3-0 Middlesbrough
By The Godfather

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

Middlesbrough starting line-up: Steele, Wheater, Bates, McManus, Robson, O'Neil, Tavares, Bailey, Boyd, McDonald, Kink.

Despite boasting one of the strongest squads in the division, Middlesbrough were comfortably beaten by Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon, in what was another outstanding performance from the Super Hoops. Unlike the Teesiders, there was a real sense of cohesion, belief and aggression amongst the QPR players, indicators of the impact Neil Warnock has made. This was a thoroughly enjoyable encounter, made even better by an electric atmosphere at Loftus Road.

Unsurprisingly, the manager selected the same team that salvaged a point against Derby County prior to the international break. Helguson retained his position in attack, supported by Mackie and Ephraim on the flanks. Taraabt operated in a 'free role', whilst Faurlin and Derry occupied central midfield. The back four consisted of Orr, Gorkss, Connolly and Hill, with Kenny starting in goal. New signing, Tommy Smith, had to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench: one does sense that he is going to have to work very hard indeed if he is to replace Mackie or Ephraim.

After some rather surreal pre-match entertainment, which involved Wallace and Gromit playing air guitar by the corner flag (what was that all about?), the match kicked off. It was Middlesbrough who looked more threatening during the opening stages, enjoying the majority of possession and carving out a couple of decent opportunities. First, in the 8th minute, Scott McDonald, one of Boro's better performers, picked up the ball about 20 yards out and smashed an effort just wide of the target. Then, Gary O'Neil attemped an audacious drive, which forced Kenny into pushing it away to safety.

The game was clearly very open and Queens Park Rangers were able to produce a quick response. Hogan Ephraim, who seems to have transformed into a quality winger under Neil Warnock, received the ball on the right-hand side. After beating a defender, he unleashed a powerful drive at goal, which was skilfully parried away by the Middlesbrough goalkeeper.

Then came QPR's best opportunity of the first half. In the 19th minute, Kenny's goal kick found Mackie in the penalty area. Managing to control the ball, the former Plymouth forward passed it back to Taraabt on the edge of the box. With the crowd ready to celebrate, the Moroccan somehow sent his low shot wide of the target. Adel probably should have done better, although he certainly made up for the miss in the second half.

Strachan's supposed "star striker", Kris Boyd, all-time record goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League, was now beginning to draw my attention. Constantly elbowing Kaspars Gorkss and clearly carrying a few extra pounds, he didn't look like the striker who pundits were raving about during the transfer window. And, in the 30th minute, he was responsible for one of the misses of the campaign. Picking up the ball from Robson's corner, all Boyd had to do was tap it into the net from two yards out. Inexplicably, the Scotland international fired wide.

At the other end, there was a penalty appeal in the 39th minute when Helguson appeared to be brought down by Robson. However, to the crowd's frustration, the referee signalled for play to continue. Queens Park Rangers would be more fortunate in the second half.

Adel Taraabt almost broke the deadlock a minute before the break - and in some style. Receiving the ball 30 yards-out, he turned gracefully and sent a curling effort towards the bottom corner, forcing Steele into an excellent one-handed save.

Half-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Middlesbrough

Queens Park Rangers could not have started the second half better. Once again, Adel Taraabt was the provider, sending a perfectly timed lob into the penalty area. Just as Helguson was about to make contact with the ball, he appeared to be pulled back by a Middlesbrough defender. This time, Mr Russell did point to the spot. It was the Icelandic who took the kick, calmly slotting it into the bottom corner of the net.

Clearly the Rs could sense that the away team were there for the taking and, sure enough, they doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute. This was a superbly worked goal. Taraabt received the ball on the right flank and sent a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, finding the unmarked Hogan Ephraim. The young winger could not have struck the ball better, sending his volley flying into the top corner of the net. For me, this summed up Rangers' start to the campaign: direct and yet stylish.

Middlesbrough substitution: Hoyte on for Kink (56 minutes).

At this point, Middlesbrough collapsed. Even with over half an hour to go, their team's attitude suggested that the game was over. And it wasn't surprising when Queens Park Rangers added a third goal just four minutes later. Taraabt's corner caused havoc amongst the Teesiders' defence and Jamie Mackie was able to tap home for his fourth goal of the season.

Helguson could have netted a second goal on the hour mark. Alejandro Faurlin's deep cross found the Icelandic in the penalty area, but he could only fire into the side-netting from such a tight angle.

Middlesbrough substitution: Boyd off for Lita (62 minutes)

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Orr off for Ramage (70 minutes)

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Taraabt off for Buzsaky (71 minutes).

After Buzsaky and Ramage had been introduced at the expense of Taraabt and Orr, Derry was next to try his luck at goal. In the 75th minute, the ball fell invitingly for the defensive midfielder on the edge of the penalty area. His smashed effort was well saved by the Middlesbrough keeper.

Middlesbrough substitution: Bailey off for Halliday (79 minutes).

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Mackie off for Smith (80 minutes).

New signing, Tommy Smith, played during the last ten minutes of the match. He wasn't really able to make a contribution, but nevertheless seemed to keep possession effectively. It was Hogan Ephraim who created the final opportunity of the match. In the 88th minute, he cut inside from the left flank and sent his curling effort against the underside of the crossbar.

Full-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 3-0 Middlesbrough

Conclusion

This was an almost faultless performance. Defensively, Queens Park Rangers were absolutely superb, dealing with Middlesbrough's "big-name" strikers very competently indeed. Shaun Derry's contribution was particularly significant, breaking up play effectively and distributing the ball with great accuracy. In attack, Queens Park Rangers were equally impressive, with Mackie, Ephraim and Taraabt posing a constant threat. Furthermore, there is an air of confidence about Heidar Helguson, which is refreshing after having seen him squander so many opportunities over the last few years.

Moreover, I was struck by QPR's attitude after they took the lead. In previous seasons, the Rs would have sat back and had to rely upon some desperate (and nerve-racking) defending. On Saturday, however, the Rs were eager to attack and destroy the opposition. Frankly, I wasn't even concerned about the prospect of a Middlesbrough goal.

To summarise, I am feeling very excited about this campaign. Obviously there is a very long way to go, but the signs are very promising. Providing that the Rs can keep their star players fit, I see no reason why they cannot challenge for a play-off position at least.

Man of the match: Hogan Ephraim - I will confess to having been one of Hogan Ephraim's critics over the last few years. This season, however, he seems to have transformed into a very effective winger. Let's hope that his form continues!