Tuesday 22nd February 2011
Npower Football League Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Referee: K K Wright
Attendance: 16, 587
Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Ipswich Town
By The Godfather

Queens Park Rangers starting line-up: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry, Hall, Taarabt, Helguson, Faurlin, Routledge, Miller (Buzsaky 75), Shittu (Connolly 90).

Ipswich Town starting line-up: Fulop, McCauley, Delaney, Leadbitter, Edwards, Wickham, Scotland (Priskin 70), Martin (Civelli 84), Bullard, Healy (Drury 40), Kennedy.

I must confess, when I heard Warnock’s team selection on Tuesday evening, it didn’t exactly fill me with confidence. Changing the central defensive partnership, which has generally been very effective this decision, was certainly a big risk. Danny Shittu and Fitz Hall have not played many games this season, and I thought they might struggle against Ipswich’s strikers, Jason Scotland and Connor Wickham. However, I was pleasantly surprised, particularly by Shittu’s outstanding performance at the heart of the back four.

The Nigerian international won almost every header he attempted and made several crucial interventions, especially in the first half, during which Ipswich enjoyed several prolonged spells of pressure. He even proved to be a potent attacking threat, with his sheer physical presence frequently causing problems for Delaney and McCauley. In addition, whilst I am not a fan of his, credit has to be given to Fitz Hall, who also produced a solid performance, making some very impressive tackles and working well with Shittu. Warnock claimed that Connolly and Gorkss were only dropped due to fatigue, but it will be interesting to see whether they reclaim their places on Saturday against Middlesbrough.

This was not one of QPR’s best displays. During the first half, their attacking play was very disjointed, seemingly lacking shape. Miller, Routledge, Helguson and Taarabt were charging about aimlessly and, as a result, were unable to create chances. I was also disappointed to see a lot of ‘hoofball’, which was easily dealt with by the Ipswich defenders. In contrast, the Rs’ passing was far more crisp and accurate during the second half and Ipswich’s defence eventually collapsed under the pressure. In the end, the 2-0 victory was probably deserved.

As already mentioned, Warnock made changes to the back four, with Hall, Shittu, Hill and Orr all starting. Derry and Faurlin continued in central midfield, whilst Miller and Routledge occupied the wings (although they were all over the place during the first half). Taraabt operated in a ‘free’ role behind Heidar Helguson.

The manner in which QPR started this game will have no doubt excited "Football League Expert" Steve Claridge, who I’m sure was delighted at the fact that Ipswich, backed by over 1000 travelling supporters, were dominating the early stages. Jimmy Bullard looked lively in central midfield and I was concerned that the Rs were giving him too much space.

It took 30 minutes for the first chance of the match to be carved out. Bullard received the ball on the flank and curled the ball into the penalty area, finding the unmarked Jason Scotland. The former Swansea forward managed to flick it on to Connor Wickham, whose powerful drive was brilliantly cleared by Fitz Hall.

Wickham was denied again only a few minutes later. Beating Bradley Orr on the flank, he tried to surprise the QPR goalkeeper by firing at the near post from a very tight angle. Fortunately, Kenny reacted brilliantly, tipping the ball out of play.

QPR finally responded towards the end of the first half. In the 36th minute, Taarabt’s corner found Shittu at the far post, whose powerful header was somehow cleared off the line. It was such a shame because I would have loved to see Shittu score on his return to Loftus Road. However, if Warnock continues to pick him ahead of Connolly and Gorkss and he maintains this level of performance, I'm sure his goal will come very soon.

Half-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Ipswich Town

The second half started off in a lively fashion, with QPR quickly forcing two golden opportunities to break the deadlock. In the 50th minute, Routledge skilfully cut into the penalty area and passed to Ishmael Miller, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Fulop. Miller should have done better: I have to say that his display was poor on Tuesday night, although one must consider that he is playing out of position.

From the resulting set piece, Taarabt found Danny Shittu, who headed the ball across to Helguson. To my dismay, the Icelandic forward attempted a diving header, sending it well over the crossbar. I thought that he should have smashed it into the roof of the net with his right boot.

Ipswich struck back almost immediately. Some good work from former Manchester United winger, Lee Martin, meant that he was able to shoot on goal. Luckily, Kenny saved Martin’s effort superbly, palming the ball away and then gathering it at the second opportunity.

QPR continued to pile pressure upon the Ipswich defence and carved out another excellent chance in the 75th minute. This time, it was Taarabt who shot at goal, cutting inside and unleashing a drive, which was comfortably gathered by Fulop.

The introduction of Akos Buzsaky in the 76th minute immediately made a difference. Buzsaky moved into the ‘free’ role, with Taraabt and Routledge occupying the flanks. This proved to be a far more effective system and the tactical change bore fruit quickly.

In the 77th minute, QPR won yet another corner. Once again, Taarabt found Shittu at the far post, whose attempt was cleared off the line, but only into the path of Clint Hill, who, with the help of a deflection, managed to head it into the back of the net.

Only six minutes later, QPR doubled the lead and sealed their victory. Clint Hill did brilliantly to beat the full back on the left-hand side and then sent in a superb cross to Heidar Helguson. The Icelandic's downward header left Fulop with no chance and meant that QPR maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Championship.

Full-time scoreline: Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Ipswich Town

Man of the match award: It's got to be between Danny Shittu and Clint Hill. Due to his involvement in both the goals, I'm going to award it to the latter. There's no doubt that the two defenders made huge contributions to this victory, both in their defensive work and going forward.