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Having just returned to the island, I think the one word that would sum up my feelings at the moment would be disappointed.
For anyone interested, here is my take on today’s game against Nottingham Forest.
There was a debut for Pellicori and a home debut for Faurlin who had played midweek. The defence was as it was for the Bristol City game, while in midfield we had Routledge on the right hand side, Leigertwood and Faurlin in the middle and Taarabt back out wide left (where he belongs in my eyes). Up front Pellicori made his Rangers debut alongside Helguson.
The first point worth mentioning was the returns of both Lee Camp and Dexter Blackstock. As both names were read out on the loudspeaker they were greeted with a generous applause, although the latter had to make do with a place on the bench. After the toss, unusually Forest were attacking the School End in the first half, and Camp clapped the Upper Loft while making his way towards them.
Soon after the game was under way, and we didn’t start particularly well. It could only have been around the second minute or so that Forest had their first effort on goal. After breaking from midfield, one of their wingers managed to get in behind Ramage and through one on one with Cerny. As the defence back peddled, he smashed his shot into the bottom corner… fortunately Cerny managed to match the shot and push the ball away. In doing this, it actually rolled straight to the feet of Garner – who after taking one touch to control it followed up with another shot at goal. Again Cerny was equal to it, and this time managed to push the ball around the post for a corner kick.
Forest again were troubling us, and as was the case last season against Bristol City – Adebola was causing no end of problems with his enormous stature. Stewart and Hall were managing to keep him quiet, but it didn’t make for comfortable viewing as overall he was winning near on everything in the air. Fortunately his heavy touches meant that he couldn’t really get in behind us, but as I said he was a real handful.
Forest probably did just edge it as the better side for the first few minutes, but we ever so nearly took the lead around the 15th minute mark. Faurlin who was really starting to get into his groove was delighting the home support. Indeed it was him who created our first meaningful chance at goal. After drifting into the middle, he cheekily poked a delicate ball through to Helguson on the edge of the box. He turned on the spot, and laid the ball on a plate for Taarabt who had made a late run in behind the standing defender. In expectation the crowd rose to their feet, but we agonisingly watched on as his first time effort skidded wide of the post. Camp was left rooted to his spot, and we ever so nearly took the lead. I’ll also hold my hands up, that although being quite negative with regards to Helguson, it was a super pass and Taarabt really should have put that one away.
The noise was building around Loftus Road though, and after a few nasty looking lunges from McKenna on both Routledge and most notably Adel Taarabt – expectedly the “Dirty northern **** chant was started”. One man sat a few rows above us screamed at the top of his voice “Wash on your birthday, you only wash on your birthday!” and after a few bursts of laughter - near on the whole corner of the ground joined in with the chant, which to his credit even the Forest player had a little smirk to himself about.
Routledge had been the victim of some heavy treatment in the early stages, but on what I believe was the first time he managed to get past without being hauled to the ground we ever so nearly went a goal ahead. Two Forest players had doubled up on him, and after popping off a couple of quick stopovers he knocked the ball forward right to the touchline. Despite the 2 players having a good 5 yards on him, he roasted past the both of them, and curled a superb cross straight into the box. As we all know, crossing isn’t one of Camp’s strengths and he watched on as the ball fizzed past his goalmouth… Pellicori battled with the defender to win the header, but after what looked like a mixture of both his and the defenders bodies clashing, the ball was left bobbling around 8 yards out. Borrowdale of all people was on hand to try his luck at goal, but he saw his effort fly over the bar and the scores remained goalless.
Soon after we were celebrating what will without doubt be a contender for goal of the season. We had a throw in on the near side, and Ramage threw the ball short to the feet of Routledge. As he turned and faced the defender, he simply passed the ball short to Leigertwood on the edge of the box. He masterfully used his strength to turn his marker… and he unleashed a thunderous drive towards goal which absolutely whistled into the top left hand corner. The fans went absolutely WILD!
After we managed to calm ourselves down, we looked up at the screen and could appreciate what a truly marvellous strike it was. The fact it was left footed just made it all the better, and Camp had absolutely no chance in the world of stopping it. Incredible! He should have earned us a point with a late goal against Bristol midweek, but he really did make up for it here – with a goal that I certainly won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
The fans were in good voice, and after singing Leigertwood’s name another funny chant cropped up... This time it was “Campy is a Ranger la la la laaa” which needless to say we all had a good laugh about.
I have tried to hold myself back from launching into a tirade into the standard of refereeing and shoddy linesmen we had to endure today, as I think it would detract from the performance. But some of the decisions were quite remarkable, and while I appreciate that I think this was this particular referee’s first game at this level – the simple truth was that he wasn’t upto the job. His baffling set of decisions almost cost us dearly right before half time.
Again Routledge was teasing them on the right hand side, and after reaching the by-line he advanced through on goal. The defender threw himself between Routledge and the ball, and aggressively groped his shirt inside his own box. Routledge was stood on the spot, just trying to keep his balance if nothing else, and while I appreciate it was never going to be a penalty – how on earth he saw fit to award Forest with a free kick is completely beyond me. If it’s outside the box, the decision goes our way without a shadow of a doubt, it was a gutless decision and one of many that were inexplicable.
Straight after being awarded with that free kick in their own box, Forest launched another ball upto Adebola. As he controlled the ball on his chest, a pretty faint touch from Hall saw him fall to the floor as if he had been snipered. Didier Drogba eat your heart out! It was no surprise that the freekick was given their way though, but luckily for us (and the referee had it gone it) Cerny managed to get a hand to it and push it out for a corner. The resulting cross was of no danger though, and was well held by Cerny.
There was still time for one last QPR chance just before the end of the half. Taarabt had been fouled along the half way line, and we were finally given a decision our way which was met with ironic applause from the QPR fans. You could bet your house that we would have one last throw of the dice with a ball into the box, but instead Leigertwood just rolled the ball forward into the feet of Faurlin. As the Forest players rushed towards him, he looked up and unleashed a screaming shot at goal from what must have been 35 yards out. Camp looked on as the ball blasted towards him, but frustratingly it was just wide… wow can this boy shoot though!
The referee blew time on the first half soon after.
As we went in at the break, I was overall pretty happy with how the game had gone. The main talking point was Leigertwood’s goal, it just a shame that it was clouded over by some of the most bizarre refereeing decisions I have personally seen at Loftus Road (sorry I’ll try and stop complaining about them now!). On a positive note, Faurlin was having a stormer in the middle, and we were all starting to have a much better idea of the kind of player he is.
As the players ran out for the second half, Magilton decided to make one substitution and Hall made way for Gorkss. I will add that I think it was down to injury, as Hall had been having a very good game and I can’t see why he would have been taken off for any other reason than him being unable to continue.
Billy Davies must have had some strong words with them at the break, and as was the case in the first half they were straight on the attack from the whistle. However, after Gorkss managed to win the header he played the ball to Taarabt in the centre of the pitch. He was being closely marked by the defender, but an irresistible shuffle and spin from him saw him escape the marker with ease. As he charged towards goal on the counter, Pellicori made a clever run to the left… and as the defenders tried to reassemble he poked the ball out wide to him... Pellicori had a defender hanging onto the side of him, and while fighting him off he managed a shot on goal – but it hit straight into the side netting and we didn’t manage that second goal which likely would have finished them off.
That chance almost seemed to inspire Forest though, and in truth they were much the better side for at least the following 20 minutes. Without really having to work Cerny, the balance of play had shifted dramatically, and we just couldn’t hang onto the ball. Panic defending ensued, and we just couldn’t seem to get the ball out of our own half!
It was no surprise that Forest eventually made the pressure count. Adebola - who had been battling with Gorkss and Stewart with a flurry of long balls upfront managed to cushion his header down to McGoldrick, who made no mistake with his shot and drilled it into the roof of the net. 1-1.
Magilton decided to shake things up a little, and Pellicori made way for Vine a few minutes later. It was nearly an inspired substitution… Taarabt tricked his way into the centre of the pitch, and as Vine peeled off the defender, Taarabt prodded the ball into his feet with just Camp to beat. He looked up and let fly with a left footed shot which flew over the crossbar and out for a goal kick. You could sense his frustration; it was the kind of chance that an in-form Vine would generally put away… but it wasn’t to be.
Routledge was causing all sorts of problems on the right hand side, and he saw a long range effort fly wide of the post shortly after Vine’s missed chance. You could sense that we might just nick a winner, and the Buzsaky chant echoed around the ground – and Magilton obliged. Taarabt made way, and Buzsaky was introduced into proceedings on the right hand side of midfield – with Routledge switching over to the left.
Blackstock was brought on for Forest around the same time, and he received another good applause from the QPR fans coupled with his old chant being sang.
Like Vine, Buzsaky had a chance to get a winner after being on the pitch a matter of minutes. More heavy armed defending from Forest brought a foul on Helguson, we had a freekick just left of the goal about 25 yards out. With both Faurlin and Buzsaky stood over the ball, the latter sent a curling shot destined for the back of the net towards goal, but Camp moved swiftly from one side to the other and just managed to palm the ball away for a corner. It was a superb freekick and a stunning save to match. We were again unfortunate not to have taken the lead… again.
Blackstock, who had come back with a point to prove almost chipped in with a goal. Stewart gave us another one of those ‘heart in mouth’ moments, and his loose back pass left Blackstock with a race to beat Cerny to the ball… As Cerny flew out to get a foot on it, Blackstock just managed to beat him to it. His effort deflected up off of Cerny, and with the rangers keeper still on the floor he watched on as the ball looped down from in the air – it looked for the world that he would simply tuck the ball into the open net, but Ramage flew out of nowhere to somehow boot the ball clear and keep the scores level. Top top defending.
We ever so nearly could have got all 3 points in the dying minutes. Ramage managed to feed Buzsaky on the right hand side, and after beating the full back he put a cracking ball into the box... Regrettably it fell to Helguson, and with Camp scrambling towards the near post he saw his header land on the roof of the net. Another one to add to the list of missed chances by him, I just wish he could have directed it on target as Camp was caught seriously off awares.
We thought that would be the last chance of the game… but there was yet another bizarre decision in injury time. I didn’t mention it earlier on in the report, but Camp had one moment in the first half where he came running out of goal, and decided he would play midfield for a few seconds… Like he did on that disastrous day at Norwich a couple of seasons ago!
We regretted not making him pay earlier on in the game, but what happened in injury time left the fans raring. With a matter of seconds left on the clock, a loose ball was being chased down by Vine. As the defender left it for Camp, he edged the ball past Vine with his chest… He was about 20 yards out. He controlled the ball with his foot, and looked up to assess his options. Helguson could sense the danger, and ghosted in beside him to challenge for the ball. With no other choice, Camp lunged in at him and sent him crashing to the ground. As Buzsaky quickly put the ball down to have an attempt at the open goal, he was near on wrestled to the floor by the desperate Forest defender. We looked on in frustration, as there is no chance he would have missed. Expecting a yellow card for both Camp and the defender… we looked on gob smacked as he actually signalled for offside!!! We haven’t had the rub of the green with refereeing decisions, but this was just something else. Camp had a smug look on his face, he was SERIOUSLY bailed out and can count himself extremely lucky. The referee/linesmen on the other hand have an awful lot to answer for.
The referee blew full time on the game soon after, and the fans vented their anger with a round of boos. With the exception of Peter Ramage, not even one QPR player clapped the fans at the end. As was the case at Plymouth, he looked just absolutely gutted with his result, and while people may question his ability – nobody can knock his effort and enormous amount of heart. The fans appreciated him, and sang his name as he walked down the tunnel.
Fans are frustrated – fair enough. But I just don’t see what good the booing does. We are a mere 4 games into the season, and while we haven’t made a great start, with just an ounce more bit of luck, or the odd decision going our way we would be sat handsomely at the right end of the table. Had we got what we fully deserved at Blackpool, that’s a further 2 points – we were desperately unlucky that game. Had we hung on at Plymouth, that’s another 2 points. Had Leigertwood beat the keeper at the end of the City game midweek, that’s another point. We just aren’t getting the rub of the green.
For the record, I would say today was probably one of the poorest I have seen us play this season. But we still could have come out with 3 points, had we finished the chances that came our way. One thing that is now blatantly obvious (as if it wasn’t before) is that we need a striker!
I genuinely don’t believe that the service this elusive 20 goal a season man would receive would be matched by ANY team in the Championship. He could score an absolute hatful, but Jim/Gorman/GP/Flavio just have to pull something out of the bag and gamble, or I feel we are heading for another mid-table finish despite the enormous amount of chances being created.
Player Ratings –
Cerny – Couldn’t have asked much more from him. Great double save at the start of the game, commanded his area well but could do nothing for the equalizer. Good distribution also.
Ramage – Fantastic defending to deny Blackstock a goal. His passing was generally spot on, and very strong in the tackle. Credit to him for coming over to the fans despite the booing as well.
Stewart – One nightmare of a moment nearly cost us 2 points, but on the whole he had a pretty spotless game. Obviously it was a tough game, as he was up against Adebola… But I thought he alongside Hall coped with him well.
Hall – Terrible shame he came off at half time, he was having another cracking game. I hope his injury isn’t too bad, because he has been very impressive so far this season. Couple of expertly timed challenges.
Borrowdale – Enough is enough! If Magilton doesn’t drop Borrowdale for the next league game I will be amazed. I will say that I thought in possession Borrowdale actually looked pretty good. But defensively he is a complete liability. He cannot head a football, the amount of standing around watching players cover for him is just alarming. His positional sense is abysmal, and the constant standing off from players is beyond a joke. I’m sorry, but you don’t have to be a football expert to see that there is no chance in the universe that he is a better player than Connolly. I’ve tried so hard to be fair and patient with him, but he just isn’t up to the job. Shocking and I thought pretty lazy.
Routledge – Scintillating form from him yet again. Despite the persistent fouling, he ran his heart out today. Some of his control and runs on the football are just sublime. Can’t help but feel he will grow frustrated eventually, because his delivery is top class… but just nobody there to finish it off.
Leigertwood – Captained the side today, and I thought he led them well. The goal he scored was just breathtaking, and as the game went on you felt he was becoming more and more important to us keeping a clean sheet. Mopped up well at the back, and had a good game today.
Faurlin – I think we all fell into the trap of expecting a little too much too soon last season with the likes of Ledesma, De Carmine and Parejo so I’ll try not to get too excited. He did fade in the second half, but on the first half showing he really is some player. The passing that he possesses is exquisite to say the least. Some of the passes he saw just caught Forest cold footed. He has a beautiful control of a football, and a lethal shot if his one attempt today is anything to go by. Also for an Argentinean I thought he would look a little lightweight – he is anything but! He puts his head/foot in anywhere, and is constantly hassling and chasing for possession. Trying to keep my feet on the floor, but we might have a gem on our hands here.
Taarabt – Put back in his rightful position (IMO) of left midfield today, and showed that kind of form he displayed while on loan with us originally. So far this season while playing up front, I have thought he looked handy but ineffective. Today though, he was back to his mouth-watering best and really did excite me. When he picks the ball up on the left, you really felt that he was going to do something – and I just don’t get that feel when he is up front. Should have scored, but linking up far better with other players now. Keep him on the wing.
Pellicori – Glad to see him get his debut for us, I thought he looked handy against City in midweek. Shame he didn’t get a real clean chance, but he battled hard and looked interested. I thought he brought the ball down well, and showed he has good movement too. 20 goals a season? Don’t think so, but a handy player and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.
Helguson – Hmmm. I thought he was again very poor today. He did do some things quite well, most notably setting up Taarabt in the first half. Also in the second half he linked up with midfield quite well… but when it comes to putting the ball into the back of the net – ultimately he fails near on every time. The header he missed today looked like another glaring howler, although I’m happy to be proved wrong if the highlights show differently. I really can’t see him scoring many goals for us. He is an impact sub at very best, and just not up to the job IMO.
Subs –
Gorkss – Ever reliant, and didn’t really put a foot wrong. He had to keep on covering for the helpless Borrowdale, but solid as expected. Good game from him.
Buzsaky – Nearly scored with a cracking freekick, just a terrible shame it didn’t sneak in. Few nice touches, and a brilliant cross for Helguson. Should have come on earlier.
Vine – Still coming back into form, and didn’t do an awful lot when he came on. Possibly should have done better with his chance, but was unlucky with the run of the ball on a few occasions. Worked hard though.
Overall, as I said above I just feel disappointed not to have won today. With the booing now starting to creep back in, I hope for Magiltons sake that we can register our first win of the season against S****horpe next weekend, as I fear the knives are already being sharpened.
I think some fans really need to evaluate their ‘support’ of the team though, and I didn’t feel it warranted booing – even if it was frustrating to watch.
Oh well atleast we have the home bank against Accrington on Tuesday (not!!).
COME ON U R’ss!
For anyone interested, here is my take on today’s game against Nottingham Forest.
There was a debut for Pellicori and a home debut for Faurlin who had played midweek. The defence was as it was for the Bristol City game, while in midfield we had Routledge on the right hand side, Leigertwood and Faurlin in the middle and Taarabt back out wide left (where he belongs in my eyes). Up front Pellicori made his Rangers debut alongside Helguson.
The first point worth mentioning was the returns of both Lee Camp and Dexter Blackstock. As both names were read out on the loudspeaker they were greeted with a generous applause, although the latter had to make do with a place on the bench. After the toss, unusually Forest were attacking the School End in the first half, and Camp clapped the Upper Loft while making his way towards them.
Soon after the game was under way, and we didn’t start particularly well. It could only have been around the second minute or so that Forest had their first effort on goal. After breaking from midfield, one of their wingers managed to get in behind Ramage and through one on one with Cerny. As the defence back peddled, he smashed his shot into the bottom corner… fortunately Cerny managed to match the shot and push the ball away. In doing this, it actually rolled straight to the feet of Garner – who after taking one touch to control it followed up with another shot at goal. Again Cerny was equal to it, and this time managed to push the ball around the post for a corner kick.
Forest again were troubling us, and as was the case last season against Bristol City – Adebola was causing no end of problems with his enormous stature. Stewart and Hall were managing to keep him quiet, but it didn’t make for comfortable viewing as overall he was winning near on everything in the air. Fortunately his heavy touches meant that he couldn’t really get in behind us, but as I said he was a real handful.
Forest probably did just edge it as the better side for the first few minutes, but we ever so nearly took the lead around the 15th minute mark. Faurlin who was really starting to get into his groove was delighting the home support. Indeed it was him who created our first meaningful chance at goal. After drifting into the middle, he cheekily poked a delicate ball through to Helguson on the edge of the box. He turned on the spot, and laid the ball on a plate for Taarabt who had made a late run in behind the standing defender. In expectation the crowd rose to their feet, but we agonisingly watched on as his first time effort skidded wide of the post. Camp was left rooted to his spot, and we ever so nearly took the lead. I’ll also hold my hands up, that although being quite negative with regards to Helguson, it was a super pass and Taarabt really should have put that one away.
The noise was building around Loftus Road though, and after a few nasty looking lunges from McKenna on both Routledge and most notably Adel Taarabt – expectedly the “Dirty northern **** chant was started”. One man sat a few rows above us screamed at the top of his voice “Wash on your birthday, you only wash on your birthday!” and after a few bursts of laughter - near on the whole corner of the ground joined in with the chant, which to his credit even the Forest player had a little smirk to himself about.
Routledge had been the victim of some heavy treatment in the early stages, but on what I believe was the first time he managed to get past without being hauled to the ground we ever so nearly went a goal ahead. Two Forest players had doubled up on him, and after popping off a couple of quick stopovers he knocked the ball forward right to the touchline. Despite the 2 players having a good 5 yards on him, he roasted past the both of them, and curled a superb cross straight into the box. As we all know, crossing isn’t one of Camp’s strengths and he watched on as the ball fizzed past his goalmouth… Pellicori battled with the defender to win the header, but after what looked like a mixture of both his and the defenders bodies clashing, the ball was left bobbling around 8 yards out. Borrowdale of all people was on hand to try his luck at goal, but he saw his effort fly over the bar and the scores remained goalless.
Soon after we were celebrating what will without doubt be a contender for goal of the season. We had a throw in on the near side, and Ramage threw the ball short to the feet of Routledge. As he turned and faced the defender, he simply passed the ball short to Leigertwood on the edge of the box. He masterfully used his strength to turn his marker… and he unleashed a thunderous drive towards goal which absolutely whistled into the top left hand corner. The fans went absolutely WILD!
After we managed to calm ourselves down, we looked up at the screen and could appreciate what a truly marvellous strike it was. The fact it was left footed just made it all the better, and Camp had absolutely no chance in the world of stopping it. Incredible! He should have earned us a point with a late goal against Bristol midweek, but he really did make up for it here – with a goal that I certainly won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
The fans were in good voice, and after singing Leigertwood’s name another funny chant cropped up... This time it was “Campy is a Ranger la la la laaa” which needless to say we all had a good laugh about.
I have tried to hold myself back from launching into a tirade into the standard of refereeing and shoddy linesmen we had to endure today, as I think it would detract from the performance. But some of the decisions were quite remarkable, and while I appreciate that I think this was this particular referee’s first game at this level – the simple truth was that he wasn’t upto the job. His baffling set of decisions almost cost us dearly right before half time.
Again Routledge was teasing them on the right hand side, and after reaching the by-line he advanced through on goal. The defender threw himself between Routledge and the ball, and aggressively groped his shirt inside his own box. Routledge was stood on the spot, just trying to keep his balance if nothing else, and while I appreciate it was never going to be a penalty – how on earth he saw fit to award Forest with a free kick is completely beyond me. If it’s outside the box, the decision goes our way without a shadow of a doubt, it was a gutless decision and one of many that were inexplicable.
Straight after being awarded with that free kick in their own box, Forest launched another ball upto Adebola. As he controlled the ball on his chest, a pretty faint touch from Hall saw him fall to the floor as if he had been snipered. Didier Drogba eat your heart out! It was no surprise that the freekick was given their way though, but luckily for us (and the referee had it gone it) Cerny managed to get a hand to it and push it out for a corner. The resulting cross was of no danger though, and was well held by Cerny.
There was still time for one last QPR chance just before the end of the half. Taarabt had been fouled along the half way line, and we were finally given a decision our way which was met with ironic applause from the QPR fans. You could bet your house that we would have one last throw of the dice with a ball into the box, but instead Leigertwood just rolled the ball forward into the feet of Faurlin. As the Forest players rushed towards him, he looked up and unleashed a screaming shot at goal from what must have been 35 yards out. Camp looked on as the ball blasted towards him, but frustratingly it was just wide… wow can this boy shoot though!
The referee blew time on the first half soon after.
As we went in at the break, I was overall pretty happy with how the game had gone. The main talking point was Leigertwood’s goal, it just a shame that it was clouded over by some of the most bizarre refereeing decisions I have personally seen at Loftus Road (sorry I’ll try and stop complaining about them now!). On a positive note, Faurlin was having a stormer in the middle, and we were all starting to have a much better idea of the kind of player he is.
As the players ran out for the second half, Magilton decided to make one substitution and Hall made way for Gorkss. I will add that I think it was down to injury, as Hall had been having a very good game and I can’t see why he would have been taken off for any other reason than him being unable to continue.
Billy Davies must have had some strong words with them at the break, and as was the case in the first half they were straight on the attack from the whistle. However, after Gorkss managed to win the header he played the ball to Taarabt in the centre of the pitch. He was being closely marked by the defender, but an irresistible shuffle and spin from him saw him escape the marker with ease. As he charged towards goal on the counter, Pellicori made a clever run to the left… and as the defenders tried to reassemble he poked the ball out wide to him... Pellicori had a defender hanging onto the side of him, and while fighting him off he managed a shot on goal – but it hit straight into the side netting and we didn’t manage that second goal which likely would have finished them off.
That chance almost seemed to inspire Forest though, and in truth they were much the better side for at least the following 20 minutes. Without really having to work Cerny, the balance of play had shifted dramatically, and we just couldn’t hang onto the ball. Panic defending ensued, and we just couldn’t seem to get the ball out of our own half!
It was no surprise that Forest eventually made the pressure count. Adebola - who had been battling with Gorkss and Stewart with a flurry of long balls upfront managed to cushion his header down to McGoldrick, who made no mistake with his shot and drilled it into the roof of the net. 1-1.
Magilton decided to shake things up a little, and Pellicori made way for Vine a few minutes later. It was nearly an inspired substitution… Taarabt tricked his way into the centre of the pitch, and as Vine peeled off the defender, Taarabt prodded the ball into his feet with just Camp to beat. He looked up and let fly with a left footed shot which flew over the crossbar and out for a goal kick. You could sense his frustration; it was the kind of chance that an in-form Vine would generally put away… but it wasn’t to be.
Routledge was causing all sorts of problems on the right hand side, and he saw a long range effort fly wide of the post shortly after Vine’s missed chance. You could sense that we might just nick a winner, and the Buzsaky chant echoed around the ground – and Magilton obliged. Taarabt made way, and Buzsaky was introduced into proceedings on the right hand side of midfield – with Routledge switching over to the left.
Blackstock was brought on for Forest around the same time, and he received another good applause from the QPR fans coupled with his old chant being sang.
Like Vine, Buzsaky had a chance to get a winner after being on the pitch a matter of minutes. More heavy armed defending from Forest brought a foul on Helguson, we had a freekick just left of the goal about 25 yards out. With both Faurlin and Buzsaky stood over the ball, the latter sent a curling shot destined for the back of the net towards goal, but Camp moved swiftly from one side to the other and just managed to palm the ball away for a corner. It was a superb freekick and a stunning save to match. We were again unfortunate not to have taken the lead… again.
Blackstock, who had come back with a point to prove almost chipped in with a goal. Stewart gave us another one of those ‘heart in mouth’ moments, and his loose back pass left Blackstock with a race to beat Cerny to the ball… As Cerny flew out to get a foot on it, Blackstock just managed to beat him to it. His effort deflected up off of Cerny, and with the rangers keeper still on the floor he watched on as the ball looped down from in the air – it looked for the world that he would simply tuck the ball into the open net, but Ramage flew out of nowhere to somehow boot the ball clear and keep the scores level. Top top defending.
We ever so nearly could have got all 3 points in the dying minutes. Ramage managed to feed Buzsaky on the right hand side, and after beating the full back he put a cracking ball into the box... Regrettably it fell to Helguson, and with Camp scrambling towards the near post he saw his header land on the roof of the net. Another one to add to the list of missed chances by him, I just wish he could have directed it on target as Camp was caught seriously off awares.
We thought that would be the last chance of the game… but there was yet another bizarre decision in injury time. I didn’t mention it earlier on in the report, but Camp had one moment in the first half where he came running out of goal, and decided he would play midfield for a few seconds… Like he did on that disastrous day at Norwich a couple of seasons ago!
We regretted not making him pay earlier on in the game, but what happened in injury time left the fans raring. With a matter of seconds left on the clock, a loose ball was being chased down by Vine. As the defender left it for Camp, he edged the ball past Vine with his chest… He was about 20 yards out. He controlled the ball with his foot, and looked up to assess his options. Helguson could sense the danger, and ghosted in beside him to challenge for the ball. With no other choice, Camp lunged in at him and sent him crashing to the ground. As Buzsaky quickly put the ball down to have an attempt at the open goal, he was near on wrestled to the floor by the desperate Forest defender. We looked on in frustration, as there is no chance he would have missed. Expecting a yellow card for both Camp and the defender… we looked on gob smacked as he actually signalled for offside!!! We haven’t had the rub of the green with refereeing decisions, but this was just something else. Camp had a smug look on his face, he was SERIOUSLY bailed out and can count himself extremely lucky. The referee/linesmen on the other hand have an awful lot to answer for.
The referee blew full time on the game soon after, and the fans vented their anger with a round of boos. With the exception of Peter Ramage, not even one QPR player clapped the fans at the end. As was the case at Plymouth, he looked just absolutely gutted with his result, and while people may question his ability – nobody can knock his effort and enormous amount of heart. The fans appreciated him, and sang his name as he walked down the tunnel.
Fans are frustrated – fair enough. But I just don’t see what good the booing does. We are a mere 4 games into the season, and while we haven’t made a great start, with just an ounce more bit of luck, or the odd decision going our way we would be sat handsomely at the right end of the table. Had we got what we fully deserved at Blackpool, that’s a further 2 points – we were desperately unlucky that game. Had we hung on at Plymouth, that’s another 2 points. Had Leigertwood beat the keeper at the end of the City game midweek, that’s another point. We just aren’t getting the rub of the green.
For the record, I would say today was probably one of the poorest I have seen us play this season. But we still could have come out with 3 points, had we finished the chances that came our way. One thing that is now blatantly obvious (as if it wasn’t before) is that we need a striker!
I genuinely don’t believe that the service this elusive 20 goal a season man would receive would be matched by ANY team in the Championship. He could score an absolute hatful, but Jim/Gorman/GP/Flavio just have to pull something out of the bag and gamble, or I feel we are heading for another mid-table finish despite the enormous amount of chances being created.
Player Ratings –
Cerny – Couldn’t have asked much more from him. Great double save at the start of the game, commanded his area well but could do nothing for the equalizer. Good distribution also.
Ramage – Fantastic defending to deny Blackstock a goal. His passing was generally spot on, and very strong in the tackle. Credit to him for coming over to the fans despite the booing as well.
Stewart – One nightmare of a moment nearly cost us 2 points, but on the whole he had a pretty spotless game. Obviously it was a tough game, as he was up against Adebola… But I thought he alongside Hall coped with him well.
Hall – Terrible shame he came off at half time, he was having another cracking game. I hope his injury isn’t too bad, because he has been very impressive so far this season. Couple of expertly timed challenges.
Borrowdale – Enough is enough! If Magilton doesn’t drop Borrowdale for the next league game I will be amazed. I will say that I thought in possession Borrowdale actually looked pretty good. But defensively he is a complete liability. He cannot head a football, the amount of standing around watching players cover for him is just alarming. His positional sense is abysmal, and the constant standing off from players is beyond a joke. I’m sorry, but you don’t have to be a football expert to see that there is no chance in the universe that he is a better player than Connolly. I’ve tried so hard to be fair and patient with him, but he just isn’t up to the job. Shocking and I thought pretty lazy.
Routledge – Scintillating form from him yet again. Despite the persistent fouling, he ran his heart out today. Some of his control and runs on the football are just sublime. Can’t help but feel he will grow frustrated eventually, because his delivery is top class… but just nobody there to finish it off.
Leigertwood – Captained the side today, and I thought he led them well. The goal he scored was just breathtaking, and as the game went on you felt he was becoming more and more important to us keeping a clean sheet. Mopped up well at the back, and had a good game today.
Faurlin – I think we all fell into the trap of expecting a little too much too soon last season with the likes of Ledesma, De Carmine and Parejo so I’ll try not to get too excited. He did fade in the second half, but on the first half showing he really is some player. The passing that he possesses is exquisite to say the least. Some of the passes he saw just caught Forest cold footed. He has a beautiful control of a football, and a lethal shot if his one attempt today is anything to go by. Also for an Argentinean I thought he would look a little lightweight – he is anything but! He puts his head/foot in anywhere, and is constantly hassling and chasing for possession. Trying to keep my feet on the floor, but we might have a gem on our hands here.
Taarabt – Put back in his rightful position (IMO) of left midfield today, and showed that kind of form he displayed while on loan with us originally. So far this season while playing up front, I have thought he looked handy but ineffective. Today though, he was back to his mouth-watering best and really did excite me. When he picks the ball up on the left, you really felt that he was going to do something – and I just don’t get that feel when he is up front. Should have scored, but linking up far better with other players now. Keep him on the wing.
Pellicori – Glad to see him get his debut for us, I thought he looked handy against City in midweek. Shame he didn’t get a real clean chance, but he battled hard and looked interested. I thought he brought the ball down well, and showed he has good movement too. 20 goals a season? Don’t think so, but a handy player and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.
Helguson – Hmmm. I thought he was again very poor today. He did do some things quite well, most notably setting up Taarabt in the first half. Also in the second half he linked up with midfield quite well… but when it comes to putting the ball into the back of the net – ultimately he fails near on every time. The header he missed today looked like another glaring howler, although I’m happy to be proved wrong if the highlights show differently. I really can’t see him scoring many goals for us. He is an impact sub at very best, and just not up to the job IMO.
Subs –
Gorkss – Ever reliant, and didn’t really put a foot wrong. He had to keep on covering for the helpless Borrowdale, but solid as expected. Good game from him.
Buzsaky – Nearly scored with a cracking freekick, just a terrible shame it didn’t sneak in. Few nice touches, and a brilliant cross for Helguson. Should have come on earlier.
Vine – Still coming back into form, and didn’t do an awful lot when he came on. Possibly should have done better with his chance, but was unlucky with the run of the ball on a few occasions. Worked hard though.
Overall, as I said above I just feel disappointed not to have won today. With the booing now starting to creep back in, I hope for Magiltons sake that we can register our first win of the season against S****horpe next weekend, as I fear the knives are already being sharpened.
I think some fans really need to evaluate their ‘support’ of the team though, and I didn’t feel it warranted booing – even if it was frustrating to watch.
Oh well atleast we have the home bank against Accrington on Tuesday (not!!).
COME ON U R’ss!
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