Npower Football League Championship
Saturday 25th September 2010
Loftus Road Stadium
Referee: R East
Attendance: 13,990
Queens Park Rangers 3-0 Doncaster Rovers
By The Godfather

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

Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan, Friend, O'Connor, Martis, Coppinger, Oster, Dunbuya, Woods, Gillett, Sharp, Shiels.

A sign of a good team is the ability to pick up points despite producing a below-par performance. And that is exactly what Queens Park Rangers did today, extending their lead at the top of the Championship to six points. The 3-0 scoreline did not reflect a game in which Doncaster looked very threatening in attack, forcing a number of clear-cut opportunities. However, clearly full of confidence after such a terrific start to the season, the Rs managed to take their chances in the second half, with Kaspars Gorkss netting a brace and Adel Taraabt converting from the penalty spot.

As Neil Warnock stated in his post-match interview, QPR's star players were not at their best today. Sean O'Driscoll had clearly conducted research on the Super Hoops, instructing his players to close down the likes of Taraabt and Buzsaky at every opportunity. Therefore, on few occasions did Rangers manage to unlock Doncaster's defence in open play, with all three goals coming from set pieces. Nevertheless, a win is a win, and fans will be hoping that the Rs can continue the momentum on Tuesday night when they come up against local rivals, Millwall.

Unsurprisingly, Warnock selected the same team that had fought out victories at Ipswich and Leicester. Helguson, Mackie and Ephraim provided an attacking threat, with Taraabt operating in a 'free' role just behind. Buzsaky and Derry occupied the middle of the park, whilst the back four consisted of Hill, Connolly, Gorkss and home debutant, Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Paddy Kenny, who has only conceded twice this campaign, retained his place in goal.

With just one minute on the clock, Queens Park Rangers almost opened the scoring. Loanee, Kyle Walker, took a long throw-in, which caused havoc amongst the Doncaster defenders. Helguson and Ephraim both had efforts blocked, before Martis somehow managed to clear away to safety. Walker posed a constant threat with his throwing ability and seemed to add an extra dimension to the Rs' attack. However, I feel that his positioning needs improvement.

At the other end, Doncaster forced a similar opportunity, when Woods' corner caused chaos in the penalty area. Fortunately, Shaun Derry was able to block Billy Sharp's header. Once again, this was a solid performance from the Rs' defensive midfielder, whose numerous last-ditch challenges were crucial in preventing Doncaster from making their first-half pressure count.

It was becoming clear that the Rs' key players were not linking up in attack, mainly due to some excellent defensive work by the opposition. This enabled Doncaster to frustrate Warnock's men. And, in the 25th minute, Rovers came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock.

The referee awarded a free-kick 25 yards out from goal, after Clint Hill had given away a foul. The impressive Richard Woods stepped up to take it, sending a curling effort towards the top corner of the goal. Somehow Paddy Kenny was able to push the ball against the crossbar, but only into the path of James O'Connor, whose drive was acrobatically cleared off the line by Hill. Had the former Crystal Palace left-back's block not been successful, the game might have turned out very differently.

Queens Park Rangers responded by carving out their best opportunity of the first half. In the 35th minute, Kyle Walker's low cross found the in-form Jamie Mackie, whose close-range shot was well-saved by Neil Sullivan. Although Mackie did not score, his contribution was certainly significant, constantly proving to be a thorn in Doncaster's side. What a signing he is turning out to be.

Just before half time, Rangers were fortunate not to be punished for some inaccurate passing. After having given away possession carelessly, Doncaster were able to carve out an impressive counter-attacking move, culminating in Dean Shiels forcing a decent save from Paddy Kenny.

Half-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Doncaster Rovers

The second half began with a penalty appeal for Queens Park Rangers. Once again, it was Jamie Mackie causing problems, cutting inside from the right flank and progressing into the penalty area. He seemed to be tugged to the floor by a Doncaster defender, but the referee signalled for play to continue.

Neil Warnock had clearly demanded an improved second-half performance and there did seem to be more aggression about QPR. And, in the 52nd minute, their efforts were rewarded. Akos Buzsaky's corner found Kaspars Gorkss in the penalty area, whose header deflected off Jamie Mackie at the far post. Fortunately, the rebound fell kindly for the Latvian, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Just five minutes later, Doncaster almost equalised. Akos Buzsaky gave away possession inside his own half, allowing Coppinger to sprint down the left flank. Cutting inside, the Rovers midfielder unleashed a terrific shot, which crashed against the frame of the goal. This was a superb effort.

At the other end, Jamie Mackie was unlucky not to score on the hour mark. Kyle Walker raced past the Doncaster fullback and whipped a cross into the penalty area. The former Plymouth Argyle forward struck the ball on the volley, but sent his effort wide of Sullivan's left-hand post.

Taraabt, who was unusually quiet on Saturday afternoon, almost created the Rs' second goal in the 68th minute. Picking up the ball in a central position, he found Mackie in the penalty box with a superb lob. The Scot received it with his back to goal and tried to tap it into the path of the on-rushing Buzsaky. To my despair, the pass was intercepted.

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Derry off for Leigertwood (75 minutes).

Doncaster Rovers substitution: Hayter off for Gillett (78 minutes).

After Hogan Ephraim had had a goal disallowed for offside, Queens Park Rangers finally doubled their advantage, thanks to a penalty kick. Another through-ball from Taraabt allowed Helguson to race into the box. Neil Sullivan brought the Icelandic down, prompting the referee to point to the spot (despite the fact that Helguson had managed to stick the ball into the back of the net anyway). The Rovers goalkeeper was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card. Taraabt took the resulting kick, firing into the bottom corner of the net.

Ephraim squandered a superb chance to make it three-nil in the 86th minute. Receiving the ball on the left flank, he beat a defender with a nutmeg and then selfishly attempted to score from a very tight angle. He should have crossed to Helguson, who was standing unmarked in the penalty area.

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Helguson off for Agyemang (87 minutes).

The third goal came in the 88th minute, with Kaspars Gorkss scoring his second of the afternoon. Taraabt's curling corner was met emphatically by the Latvian, sending a powerful header into the roof of the net.

Queens Park Rangers substitution: Mackie off for Smith (89th minute).

Full time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 3-0 Doncaster Rovers

Conclusion

Yes, this was not the best performance we have seen this season from Queens Park Rangers. However, in previous campaigns, we would not have left with all three points. There seems to be a real sense of confidence and spirit about the team, illustrating the impact that Neil Warnock has made. A victory on Tuesday night could put the Rs nine points clear at the top of the league table - and I'm sure the players will fancy their chances against a Millwall side that has lost its last two games.

Man of the match: Kaspars Gorkss - not only he did score two goals, he produced a solid defensive display against a skilful Doncaster attack.