Saturday 30th October 2010
Loftus Road Stadium
Npower Football League Show
Referee: G Williamson
Attendance: 15,620
Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Burnley
By The Godfather

Queens Park Rangers starting line-up: Kenny, Hill, Gorkss, Walker, Connolly, Faurlin, Taraabt (Smith 82), Ephraim, Derry, Mackie (Agyemang 62), Hulse (Clarke 64).

Burnley starting line-up: Grant, Carlisle, Fox, Duff, Mears, Eagles (Wallace 46), Marney, Alexander, Elliott, Iwelumo (Thompson 84), Rodriguez.

Queens Park Rangers were held to yet another draw by a very hard-working and physical Burnley team. The result was probably a fair one, although an incompetent refereeing performance did not help Warnock’s men. Taraabt’s wonder strike, which received only 20 seconds of coverage on the Football League Show, put the Rs into the lead, before Graham Alexander equalised just before half-time. In truth, Burnley enjoyed long spells of pressure, although Rangers started and finished the match strongly.

Neil Warnock gave a home debut to new signing, Rob Hulse. I have to say I was not overly impressed by his performance. However, it is obviously going to take time for him to recapture his goalscoring form after spending several weeks on the sidelines. Supporters will need to be patient. Mackie and Ephraim kept their places on the flanks, with Taraabt operating in a ‘free’ role. Derry and Faurlin occupied the middle of the park, whilst the back four consisted of Hill, Gorkss, Connolly and Walker. Paddy Kenny retained the goalkeeping position – and produced a fine display, making the save of the season so far.

Following a minute’s silence for Acting Corporal David Barnsdale, an ardent QPR fan who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan, the match kicked off. As already mentioned, Warnock’s men started strongly, forcing a couple of corners, one of which almost found Rob Hulse unmarked in the penalty area.

At the other end, some abysmal officiating led to Burnley’s first opportunity of the match. Just as Wade Elliott was about to race through on goal, Kaspars Gorkss made an outstanding tackle, clearly making contact with the ball. Despite this, the referee awarded a free kick. Fortunately, Connolly was able to clear the resulting set piece.

In the 11th minute, Kyle Walker, who wasn’t quite as involved in proceedings as he has been recently, scuffed his shot from the right flank, inadvertently finding Jamie Mackie in the penalty area. The former Plymouth Argyle striker was eventually tackled by a combination of Carlisle and the Burnley goalkeeper.

The Clarets responded six minutes later, when Chris Iwelumo flicked the ball on to Dean Marney. With Kenny flat-footed, the midfielder dragged his long-range effort wide of the target. A lucky escape for the QPR defence.

In the 23rd minute, Adel Taraabt was perhaps unlucky not to be awarded a penalty by the referee. Receiving the ball inside the penalty area, he seemed to be brought to ground by a Burnley defender. Frankly, the Moroccan fell to the floor very dramatically, but I felt that there was enough contact to warrant a spot-kick.

Just seconds after that penalty appeal, Burnley were denied the opening goal by an incredible save from Paddy Kenny. Chris Eagles smashed the ball at goal, forcing the QPR goalkeeper into palming it away. He probably should have caught it, but redeemed himself in stunning fashion, somehow managing to block Jay Rodriguez’s close-range effort. Kenny is turning out to be a real asset to the Super Hoops: hopefully he will stay fit.

After Chris Eagles had been booked for a pathetic dive in the QPR penalty area, Adel Taraabt broke the deadlock in magnificent fashion. The Moroccan picked up the ball on the left-hand side, cut inside and smashed it into the top corner from 25 yards out. It is his ability to produce such moments of magic that explains Warnock’s decision to keep him in the side, despite a series of disappointing displays.

In the 35th minute, QPR could have doubled their lead. An excellent cross from Kyle Walker seemed to be heading towards Rob Hulse, before he collided with Alejandro Faurlin, with both players falling to the floor. This seemed to happen on a number of occasions – I hope this isn’t a sign that the team is losing its shape.

Then, just before half time, disaster struck. Matthew Connolly was adjudged to have brought down Dean Marney in the penalty area, despite there being minimal contact between the two players. Graham Alexander, who rarely misses from the spot, took the resulting penalty kick, sending it flying into the top corner of the net.

Half-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Burnley

There was no doubt that Burnley started the second half the stronger of the two sides, enjoying a long period of pressure. Fortunately, however, they did not dismantle Queens Park Rangers’ robust central defensive partnership. In the 54th minute, Jay Rodriguez sent his 20-yard curling effort just wide of Kenny’s left-hand post.

I have faith in Neil Warnock, but I couldn’t really understand his decision to delay the introduction of Tommy Smith. Instead, he brought on Agyemang and Clarke at the expense of Hogan Ephraim and Rob Hulse. However, in fairness, “Dave” did come very close to putting the home side into the lead. In the 69th minute, Mackie’s delightful ball flashed across the face of the goal, just missing the head of Agyemang.

In response, the Clarets carved out the best opportunity of the second half. A well-worked move led to Iwelumo receiving the ball in the penalty area. To my relief, the Scotland international scooped his effort over the bar.

After squandering that opportunity, Burnley seemed to settle for a point, whilst QPR began to pile on the pressure. In the 77th minute, Taraabt’s corner found Agyemang at the near post, but the big striker could only send his header wide of the target.

In the 84th minute, Warnock brought on Tommy Smith, who replaced Adel Taraabt. During the five minutes he was on the pitch, he created far more than Hogan Ephraim had done on the left flank. Firstly, he provided a beautiful through-pass for Jamie Mackie, who subsequently missed the target. Then, picking the ball up on the edge of the penalty area, he curled it towards the far corner of the net, missing by inches.

Bookings: Taraabt (43), Gorkss (67), Mackie (81), Eagles (30), Duff (74), Alexander (77).

Full-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Burnley

Conclusion

It was painful to lose the top spot to Cardiff, especially as I dislike the Bluebirds with a passion. Although Rangers are still top of the league, they must return to winning ways next Saturday against Reading. Difficult away trips to Pompey and Nottingham Forest await and therefore it is imperative that Warnock's men take all three points against the Royals. I do hope that Tommy Smith is given a proper opportunity in the first team, as he seems to be very skilful. He would probably link up well with other creative players, such as Taraabt and Faurlin.

Man of the match: Shaun Derry. Broke up play very well in the middle of the park, producing a brave performance against one of the best sides in the division. What a signing he has proved to be. Paddy Kenny was also a contender for this award due to that incredible first-half save.