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This afternoon is the first chance I have had to sit down and write on yesterday’s game, and it is a little later that I was hoping. I have treated myself to an extra couple (few!!) hours in bed, as I didn’t realize quite how far Scunthorpe actually was… and it really did sap out all life I had in me.
I left the island early in the morning, and with the poor showing at Accrington still fresh in mind – what on earth we could expect at Scunthorpe was anybody’s guess.
The journey was long and slow, with constant roadworks littered on what seemed every single stretch of motorway, it didn’t make for a pleasant journey. As the time was approaching 10 o’clock… I had to look at the map to check how much longer we had left – and after rummaging through various pages, I conceded that there was still a fair way of travel left.
It was a welcome relief when we saw the first ‘Scunthorpe’ sign on a post… what wasn’t so nice was that it was still a further 90 miles! Our spirits were lifted enormously when we received a text saying “Stamford Bridge.” It took a moment to sink in, but when it did the buzz running through us could have taken us to Scunthorpe about 10 times over!
That night out at Stamford Bridge was one of my personal highlights of recent years, and the very thought of experiencing that full blooded atmosphere once again had my pulse racing. The next 90 miles flew past, and before we knew it we had arrived at the ground.
After getting out the car for a long awaited stretch, the Chelsea game was dominating near on all conversation amongst the QPR fans. One of the funnier things to happen during the day, came when a middle aged man walked across asking who we had drawn in the cup. When he turned to us we said with beaming smiles “Chelsea!” He pulled an unimpressed face and asked who we really had… again we replied “Chelsea!” He then muttered under his breath something about us fooling around, and walked off without saying goodbye or anything. It was quite a surreal moment, but after he drifted off down a turnstile we all had a really good laugh about it.
When we arrived in the ground, we took to our seats just behind the goal towards the top of the stand. As the players ran out from the tunnel, they received a warm reception from the fans and began warming up. I was keeping a close eye on Jay Simpson… and was keen to get a feel for what kind of player he is. As the players lined up to shoot at goal, I watched on intently as with his first ‘effort’ as a QPR player he took one touch with his right foot and thundered a shot into the top right hand corner with his left foot. Heaton stood no chance, and it ripped into the back of the net. The fans were pretty impressed too, and all applauded at his shot.
As the teams were read out, there were a couple of changes in the starting eleven.
Cerny was restored back into goal, and the back four was made up of Ramage, Connolly, Hall and Borrowdale.
In midfield we had Routledge on the right wing, Leigertwood (captain) alongside Faurlin, and Ephraim out on the left.
It was a new striking line-up as well, with Jay Simpson making his debut partnered by Taarabt.
The first real talking point came within 90 seconds or so. After Ramage played a long ball up field, Simpson chased the loose ball hard and managed to win possession on the right hand side… As he took a touch past the defender, he was left with a one on one race with the goalkeeper, and after just edging the ball past him he was sent crushing to the ground about 20 yards out on the right hand side. As the QPR fans chanted for the red card, we were left disappointed that the keeper was only shown a yellow.
Despite our calls of blue murder, I think it would have been harsh for him to have been sent off for that challenge. Although in saying that, if he wouldn’t have stopped Simpson he would have been left with a clear path through on goal… either way I have to say I thought the referee probably made the correct decision here.
The cross from Faurlin from the dead ball was threatening, but didn’t result in any attempt on goal and was booted clear from danger. It was a promising start though, and as the fans lifted their voices – we just hoped we could continue in this vein.
Only a further 2 minutes had gone past, and we had our first attempt on goal. I think overall there have been mixed feelings about Taarabt’s form this season, and while he hasn’t been in that kind of scintillating form of last season… I think overall he is improving as an all round player. Where previously he almost refused to tackle and pass, I think he has slowly but surely been adding this side to his game… and it showed with his goal.
Taarabt robbed the midfielder of possession in the centre of the pitch. After looking up, he played a delightful one two around the midfielder with Faurlin and picked up possession about 25 yards out. It appeared that he might play Simpson in behind the defence, but after feinting to go one way he cheekily popped the ball through a defenders legs and ran on… the keeper charged from his goalmouth, and just as he lunged for the ball – Taarabt masterfully poked the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot, and gave us an early lead.
The travelling fans were absolutely delighted, and it was a real goal to savour from Taarabt.
The belief now running through the players was clear to see, and we ever so nearly made it 2-0 shortly after. Faurlin was again the architect… as he looked up, he played a delightful dinked pass to Leigertwood on the edge of the box. His strength saw him easily outmuscle the gritty defender… but the ball seemed to get caught under his feet. He was about 8 yards out, and while he managed to get a strike at goal, he never caught is as sweetly as he would have hoped for – and the keeper made a good save to push it clear for a corner kick.
You could feel another goal was on the way, “Bring on the Chelsea” was bellowing out from the away end and the fans couldn’t have been happier. We were playing more like the home side for the opening 20 minutes, and Scunthorpe could barely clear the ball from their own half… let alone trouble Cerny in the Ranger’s goal.
The first effort that Scunthorpe mustered could ever so nearly have drawn the side’s level. The long haired winger on the left hand side had looked their only real outlet, and once picking the ball up on the flank he ran through on Ramage. While Ramage was pressurizing him, nobody seemed to get a foot in, and after creating a yard of space he skimmed a shot through on goal, but it was well smothered by Cerny.
Undeterred, we continued to heave forward and Simpson could and probably should have scored on his debut. Ramage jogged with the ball at feet down the right hand side, and with Routledge closely marked by 2 players he slid the ball through to his feet. You did wonder just where Routledge could go with it, but as the ball came to his feet, with his first touch he back heeled it past both of them and ran on down the touchline… as another defender threw himself at both the ball and oncoming Routledge, he somehow skipped past him and continued down the line. He teased a superb cross straight into the path of Simpson, but it seemed to skim off his head and wide of the far post. Again, you do have to admire the sheer cheek/brilliance of Routledge – what a fantastic move!
There was a real scare for us near on straight after this move. As both Connolly and Hooper challenged for a ball in the air, their heads smashed together and play was stopped. With blood literally pouring from Connolly’s head, he was taken off and bandaged up. He seemed to come off far worse than Hooper, who had also been down for a fair amount of time. As both players returned to the pitch, they were both applauded by both sets of fans.
In another rare Scunthorpe attack, they again nearly drew the scores level. It was again the long haired winger who caused the danger, and as he played the ball right across the goal face, I think it was Connolly who managed to get a foot on it and take the ball out of the way of Hooper… who was waiting almost in the goalmouth! Had he not got a touch on it, I think it likely would have been a certain goal.
From the resulting corner, Scunthorpe had a penalty appeal. As the cross came into the box, I think it was Ephraim who managed to get a head on it. As the ball dipped from up in the air, Hall rose to meet it – but in doing so came straight over the top of a melee of players and fell on his ribs awkwardly. The Scunthorpe players felt extremely hard done by, but in truth I don’t think they had much of an argument to make.
Faurlin had been having a very tidy game in the opening half, and he ever so nearly got us another goal. After good for again from Routledge on the right hand side, the ball was headed clear… it fell perfectly for Faurlin right on the edge of the box, and he sent a stinging shot just wide of the post – with the keeper rooted to his spot. Had it been a matter of inches more central, we would have undoubtedly taken a greater lead just before the break.
The 4th official had indicated a further 4 minutes of injury time, taking into account the clash between Connolly and Hooper. For one of the few times this season, I didn’t actually want the half time whistle to come, such was our dominance. Simpson had only had one real chance in the first half, but he had another right on the stroke of half time.
I think it was actually Leigertwood who played the ball central from the edge of the box, and as Simpson turned on a dime; he could only manage a scuffed connection on his shot and saw it bobble wide of the post.
As the referee blew time on the first half, I personally was delighted. We couldn’t really have asked anything more from them, and they had been playing some lovely football.
We didn’t start the second half with quite the same zip as we did the first, and while we weren’t really being threatened you could feel something was missing upfront. Magilton opted for a change, and Vine was introduced for Taarabt.
Ephraim had been having a fairly quiet game on the whole, but his trickery down the left hand side won us a corner, and as he picked the ball up from in front of the fans he clapped us and tried to gee us up.
With a loud chant of “Come on you R’s!” ringing in his ears, Ephraim flighted a decent cross into the box… It was again won by a Scunthorpe defender, and the ball spun out towards the opposite corner… from out of nowhere Fitz Hall unleashed a cracking volley goal wards, and as we all rose from our seats in expectation, we watched as the home keeper managed to just push it wide for another corner kick. Fitz Hall is another one who has had his critics, but this really was a superb effort and credit to him.
I would love to say that we continued to dominate for the rest of the half, but simply put we were just starting to struggle. Scunthorpe had thrown caution to the wind, and with the referee awarding them virtually every decision possible – we were under a set piece barrage.
I counted about 4 penalty shouts that Scunthorpe had, none of them looked anything like one from where I was sat… and yes I do have my blue tinted specs OFF! But for the sheer amount of calls, you did feel that eventually Scunthorpe would be awarded at least one. We were extremely grateful to Cerny for keeping us ahead on more than one occasion. The balls were flying into the box, one clipped the post and it really wasn’t comfortable viewing.
We could have wrapped the game up around the 85 minute. Substitute Helguson brought the ball down superbly in the box, and he played the ball across the goal face perfectly into the feet of Vine. We were practically celebrating a goal, but somehow Vine smashed the ball over the crossbar… and nearly hit me!!!!
How on earth he didn’t at very least hit the target is beyond me, Helguson put it on a plate for him.
As the clock continued to count down, I wasn’t sure whether I had missed the board going up or something. The time was now 4:55 and still we were playing on.
Helguson was actually having a very good game, and after gaining possession in the middle of the pitch, he slid a great pass in behind the Scunthorpe defenders. Routledge breezed past his marker, but his heavy touch left the keeper odds on to win possession… as he raced through, he managed to just get a touch on the ball and then was sent crashing to the floor by the keeper. As the referee ran over, we thought we had won a penalty, but instead he awarded a free kick and booked Routledge for diving. Personally I think the whole Eduardo scenario was clear in his mind, and we should have been awarded a spot kick in my opinion. The fact that he booked Routledge though did show an inconsistency, as Scunthorpe players had been falling like flies in our box… and we got absolutely nothing from it – not even a free kick!
Magilton was raring on the sidelines. As the goal kick was taken long up the field, the referee again awarded Scunthorpe a free kick in a threatening position for a nothing challenge from Ramage. This tipped Magilton over the edge – and rightly so in my eyes. It should have been a penalty, and that was certainly no free kick! As a result from his protests, Magilton was sent to the stands. The freekick flew into the box, and met by a Scunthorpe player… but it went just wide of the post.
Finally the board came up – 5 minutes! Where 5 minutes came from I don’t know, and as the Scunthorpe fans really found their voice… it had a Home Park kind of feel to it.
I could barely stand to watch anything more of this.
But we could at least laugh about 1 minute into injury time. As the players battled for possession on the pitch, it was nail biting stuff. Then a porky man walked past, with a tray attached to the front of him carrying pies and pasties that he was selling. The QPR fans all rose to their feet and clapped him as he walked past, as he looked up at us almost as if he could sense a sale… “Who ate all the pies” “You fat B*stard!” and “You’re so fat it’s unbelievable” was chanted at him, with arms throwing in his direction. It was absolutely HILARIOUS!
While the fans all turned to each other laughing, we looked on as Scunthorpe really piled on the pressure. With whistling and groans the only noise now coming from the QPR fans, the referee finally blew his whistle and the game was won. We have had to wait long and hard for this, but it was a welcome relief when we finally wrapped up the 3 points.
Another negative point that has surrounded Loftus Road and various message boards has been the attitude of the players. Whether credit should to go Magilton or Fitz Hall for trying to mend the relationship I don’t know… but after Hall came and gave his shirt to a young child, pretty much all of the other players followed suit. Looking down there were some very happy little children – and it clearly made their day! The players made a huge deal of coming over to them, and rightly so. Its little things like this that makes all the difference in my opinion – and hats off to every one of them… it didn’t go unnoticed by the fan that’s for sure.
One player who people just can’t criticize for passion and heart is Peter Ramage. He was the last player to walk over. He looked up at where we were stood singing, and pointed over towards the goal where Cerny had been situated, and blew a huge huge sigh of relief. You could tell that keeping the clean sheet, and getting the result meant the world to him. As all the players walked back, it was his name that was being sung… after clocking that it was him the fans were chanting – he turned round and just stood applauding us… he couldn’t contain how proud he was, and walked off with an enormous smile written all over his face. I personally thought it was fitting that in amongst ‘crowd pleasers’ like Routledge, Buzsaky, Ephraim, Taarabt, Vine etc… it was our gritty right back who never ceases to thank the fans that got the stand out ovation. It was a lovely moment.
Player Ratings –
Cerny – I thought he had a really good game yesterday. At times, we were under an enormous amount of pressure, but his experience and cool head was invaluable towards the latter stages of the game. Pulled off a couple of really good saves, and organized the defence well.
Ramage – Looked very good in possession, and put in some great crosses into the box. One gripe I do have with him is that he sometimes cuts in and crosses with his left foot – and it causes near on no danger every single time… but when on his right foot, you cant ask for much more. Put in a couple of great tackles (especially in the second half), and had a pretty good game. As mentioned above, he got a terrific reception.
Connolly – Back in the starting line up where he belongs IMO. Have to say, I thought he was hands down man of the match yesterday. He marshalled the backline expertly, and just didn’t put a foot wrong. I really think we have missed his presence at the back this season, and Magilton will have been delighted with his performance here. Superb.
Hall – I have since learned that he was vomiting before the game started, and in my eyes that makes his performance all the better. He was very strong in the air, and also fed the midfield plenty of possession. He did do a couple of aimless long balls forward, but also did a couple of superb ones too. Took a nasty knock at the end of the first half, but battled on through it. One slight negative, he did give away a fair few free kicks (although some/many of them looked pretty harsh).
Borrowdale – On the basis of what I have seen so far this season, I feel that we need a new left back in. I am trying to look at the positives of his game yesterday, and to be fair he did break up play (about 4 times I counted). However, his positioning is shocking and quite simply I just don’t feel he is up to the job. I don’t think it would be fair to describe him as a liability on this showing – but certainly a weakness.
Routledge – My concern all season long has been whether or not he could maintain the superb form he is in, but that has now shifted to how we fend off the ‘big boys’ should they come knocking. He was irresistible (yet again) yesterday, and ran the full back ragged. Brilliant.
Faurlin – Very neat and tidy game from him. He swept up near on every loose ball, and if the ball was ever there to be won… he was going for it. Some of his passes were exquisite (look out on highlights his one two with Taarabt / pass to Leigertwood). I think he is starting to bed in with the style of play, and looks more than comfortable at this level.
Leigertwood – He is another one that splits opinion. Personally, I have always rated him. He should have scored with his chance early on, and was possibly a little unlucky it didn’t fall right. He has been criticized for having erratic passing, which on occasion was misplaced. But he does all the ugly gritty things so so well, and I feel that gets overlooked far too often. He helped boss the midfield, and kept the shape of the team excellently. Good game from him in my eyes.
Ephraim – Looked good when in possession, but he didn’t get on the ball as much as I would have liked. His set piece delivery was fairly good, and used the ball well when he did have possession. Not a great game from him, but showed little glimpses of what he is capable of.
Taarabt – I still feel he isn’t best played as a striker, but he firmly rammed my words down my throat with his goal. He finished it like a seasoned veteran, and had a lively game. Plenty of moments that were nice to watch on the eye, coupled with plenty more chasing down and tackling. As mentioned above, he is improving as a player and credit must to go Magilton for that.
Simpson – I thought he had a very promising debut. He covered every single blade of grass yesterday, and was clearly intent on impressing Magilton. His pace his electric, and I think that given a run in the side he will cause problems. Was later substituted – he must have been shattered. For effort you could ask no more. He did have to put up with some heavy handed defending, but on the whole I thought he had a good game and dealt with it well.
Substitutes –
Helguson – I have to hold my hands up and say I have been very unimpressed with him so far this season. He has looked slow and lethargic IMO. But yesterday, he set up Vine with a brilliant pass and also picked out Routledge with another great bit of vision. I feel his only role for QPR should be from the bench (at best), but I can’t knock him for yesterday’s game. He played very well.
Vine – I’m not sure if it’s just me, but he just couldn’t seem to stay on his feet. He was constantly falling all over the place. He missed an absolute sitter, and there can be no excuses for missing it. One positive, he did do a couple of great runs but ended up getting cut down by desperate challenges.
Mahon – Brought on just to beef up midfield, and did his job. Didn’t make any huge impact though.
On the whole, I was delighted with yesterday. We did ride our luck a little at times, but in fairness so did Scunthorpe. Another day we go in at the break 4-0 to the good, so I don’t think they will claim that they deserved anything more than they actually got.
The positive is that we ARE picking points up away from home, and I think this win will make an enormous difference to the players. Now the pressure of winning that first game is off – hopefully we can go on a little run.
The signs yesterday were very encouraging, and this team it just starting to click now.
When we got home the count said that we clocked up just over 500 miles, and it was worth every second of it.
Well done QPR!!!
Hope you enjoyed reading.
U R’sssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!
I left the island early in the morning, and with the poor showing at Accrington still fresh in mind – what on earth we could expect at Scunthorpe was anybody’s guess.
The journey was long and slow, with constant roadworks littered on what seemed every single stretch of motorway, it didn’t make for a pleasant journey. As the time was approaching 10 o’clock… I had to look at the map to check how much longer we had left – and after rummaging through various pages, I conceded that there was still a fair way of travel left.
It was a welcome relief when we saw the first ‘Scunthorpe’ sign on a post… what wasn’t so nice was that it was still a further 90 miles! Our spirits were lifted enormously when we received a text saying “Stamford Bridge.” It took a moment to sink in, but when it did the buzz running through us could have taken us to Scunthorpe about 10 times over!
That night out at Stamford Bridge was one of my personal highlights of recent years, and the very thought of experiencing that full blooded atmosphere once again had my pulse racing. The next 90 miles flew past, and before we knew it we had arrived at the ground.
After getting out the car for a long awaited stretch, the Chelsea game was dominating near on all conversation amongst the QPR fans. One of the funnier things to happen during the day, came when a middle aged man walked across asking who we had drawn in the cup. When he turned to us we said with beaming smiles “Chelsea!” He pulled an unimpressed face and asked who we really had… again we replied “Chelsea!” He then muttered under his breath something about us fooling around, and walked off without saying goodbye or anything. It was quite a surreal moment, but after he drifted off down a turnstile we all had a really good laugh about it.
When we arrived in the ground, we took to our seats just behind the goal towards the top of the stand. As the players ran out from the tunnel, they received a warm reception from the fans and began warming up. I was keeping a close eye on Jay Simpson… and was keen to get a feel for what kind of player he is. As the players lined up to shoot at goal, I watched on intently as with his first ‘effort’ as a QPR player he took one touch with his right foot and thundered a shot into the top right hand corner with his left foot. Heaton stood no chance, and it ripped into the back of the net. The fans were pretty impressed too, and all applauded at his shot.
As the teams were read out, there were a couple of changes in the starting eleven.
Cerny was restored back into goal, and the back four was made up of Ramage, Connolly, Hall and Borrowdale.
In midfield we had Routledge on the right wing, Leigertwood (captain) alongside Faurlin, and Ephraim out on the left.
It was a new striking line-up as well, with Jay Simpson making his debut partnered by Taarabt.
The first real talking point came within 90 seconds or so. After Ramage played a long ball up field, Simpson chased the loose ball hard and managed to win possession on the right hand side… As he took a touch past the defender, he was left with a one on one race with the goalkeeper, and after just edging the ball past him he was sent crushing to the ground about 20 yards out on the right hand side. As the QPR fans chanted for the red card, we were left disappointed that the keeper was only shown a yellow.
Despite our calls of blue murder, I think it would have been harsh for him to have been sent off for that challenge. Although in saying that, if he wouldn’t have stopped Simpson he would have been left with a clear path through on goal… either way I have to say I thought the referee probably made the correct decision here.
The cross from Faurlin from the dead ball was threatening, but didn’t result in any attempt on goal and was booted clear from danger. It was a promising start though, and as the fans lifted their voices – we just hoped we could continue in this vein.
Only a further 2 minutes had gone past, and we had our first attempt on goal. I think overall there have been mixed feelings about Taarabt’s form this season, and while he hasn’t been in that kind of scintillating form of last season… I think overall he is improving as an all round player. Where previously he almost refused to tackle and pass, I think he has slowly but surely been adding this side to his game… and it showed with his goal.
Taarabt robbed the midfielder of possession in the centre of the pitch. After looking up, he played a delightful one two around the midfielder with Faurlin and picked up possession about 25 yards out. It appeared that he might play Simpson in behind the defence, but after feinting to go one way he cheekily popped the ball through a defenders legs and ran on… the keeper charged from his goalmouth, and just as he lunged for the ball – Taarabt masterfully poked the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot, and gave us an early lead.
The travelling fans were absolutely delighted, and it was a real goal to savour from Taarabt.
The belief now running through the players was clear to see, and we ever so nearly made it 2-0 shortly after. Faurlin was again the architect… as he looked up, he played a delightful dinked pass to Leigertwood on the edge of the box. His strength saw him easily outmuscle the gritty defender… but the ball seemed to get caught under his feet. He was about 8 yards out, and while he managed to get a strike at goal, he never caught is as sweetly as he would have hoped for – and the keeper made a good save to push it clear for a corner kick.
You could feel another goal was on the way, “Bring on the Chelsea” was bellowing out from the away end and the fans couldn’t have been happier. We were playing more like the home side for the opening 20 minutes, and Scunthorpe could barely clear the ball from their own half… let alone trouble Cerny in the Ranger’s goal.
The first effort that Scunthorpe mustered could ever so nearly have drawn the side’s level. The long haired winger on the left hand side had looked their only real outlet, and once picking the ball up on the flank he ran through on Ramage. While Ramage was pressurizing him, nobody seemed to get a foot in, and after creating a yard of space he skimmed a shot through on goal, but it was well smothered by Cerny.
Undeterred, we continued to heave forward and Simpson could and probably should have scored on his debut. Ramage jogged with the ball at feet down the right hand side, and with Routledge closely marked by 2 players he slid the ball through to his feet. You did wonder just where Routledge could go with it, but as the ball came to his feet, with his first touch he back heeled it past both of them and ran on down the touchline… as another defender threw himself at both the ball and oncoming Routledge, he somehow skipped past him and continued down the line. He teased a superb cross straight into the path of Simpson, but it seemed to skim off his head and wide of the far post. Again, you do have to admire the sheer cheek/brilliance of Routledge – what a fantastic move!
There was a real scare for us near on straight after this move. As both Connolly and Hooper challenged for a ball in the air, their heads smashed together and play was stopped. With blood literally pouring from Connolly’s head, he was taken off and bandaged up. He seemed to come off far worse than Hooper, who had also been down for a fair amount of time. As both players returned to the pitch, they were both applauded by both sets of fans.
In another rare Scunthorpe attack, they again nearly drew the scores level. It was again the long haired winger who caused the danger, and as he played the ball right across the goal face, I think it was Connolly who managed to get a foot on it and take the ball out of the way of Hooper… who was waiting almost in the goalmouth! Had he not got a touch on it, I think it likely would have been a certain goal.
From the resulting corner, Scunthorpe had a penalty appeal. As the cross came into the box, I think it was Ephraim who managed to get a head on it. As the ball dipped from up in the air, Hall rose to meet it – but in doing so came straight over the top of a melee of players and fell on his ribs awkwardly. The Scunthorpe players felt extremely hard done by, but in truth I don’t think they had much of an argument to make.
Faurlin had been having a very tidy game in the opening half, and he ever so nearly got us another goal. After good for again from Routledge on the right hand side, the ball was headed clear… it fell perfectly for Faurlin right on the edge of the box, and he sent a stinging shot just wide of the post – with the keeper rooted to his spot. Had it been a matter of inches more central, we would have undoubtedly taken a greater lead just before the break.
The 4th official had indicated a further 4 minutes of injury time, taking into account the clash between Connolly and Hooper. For one of the few times this season, I didn’t actually want the half time whistle to come, such was our dominance. Simpson had only had one real chance in the first half, but he had another right on the stroke of half time.
I think it was actually Leigertwood who played the ball central from the edge of the box, and as Simpson turned on a dime; he could only manage a scuffed connection on his shot and saw it bobble wide of the post.
As the referee blew time on the first half, I personally was delighted. We couldn’t really have asked anything more from them, and they had been playing some lovely football.
We didn’t start the second half with quite the same zip as we did the first, and while we weren’t really being threatened you could feel something was missing upfront. Magilton opted for a change, and Vine was introduced for Taarabt.
Ephraim had been having a fairly quiet game on the whole, but his trickery down the left hand side won us a corner, and as he picked the ball up from in front of the fans he clapped us and tried to gee us up.
With a loud chant of “Come on you R’s!” ringing in his ears, Ephraim flighted a decent cross into the box… It was again won by a Scunthorpe defender, and the ball spun out towards the opposite corner… from out of nowhere Fitz Hall unleashed a cracking volley goal wards, and as we all rose from our seats in expectation, we watched as the home keeper managed to just push it wide for another corner kick. Fitz Hall is another one who has had his critics, but this really was a superb effort and credit to him.
I would love to say that we continued to dominate for the rest of the half, but simply put we were just starting to struggle. Scunthorpe had thrown caution to the wind, and with the referee awarding them virtually every decision possible – we were under a set piece barrage.
I counted about 4 penalty shouts that Scunthorpe had, none of them looked anything like one from where I was sat… and yes I do have my blue tinted specs OFF! But for the sheer amount of calls, you did feel that eventually Scunthorpe would be awarded at least one. We were extremely grateful to Cerny for keeping us ahead on more than one occasion. The balls were flying into the box, one clipped the post and it really wasn’t comfortable viewing.
We could have wrapped the game up around the 85 minute. Substitute Helguson brought the ball down superbly in the box, and he played the ball across the goal face perfectly into the feet of Vine. We were practically celebrating a goal, but somehow Vine smashed the ball over the crossbar… and nearly hit me!!!!
How on earth he didn’t at very least hit the target is beyond me, Helguson put it on a plate for him.
As the clock continued to count down, I wasn’t sure whether I had missed the board going up or something. The time was now 4:55 and still we were playing on.
Helguson was actually having a very good game, and after gaining possession in the middle of the pitch, he slid a great pass in behind the Scunthorpe defenders. Routledge breezed past his marker, but his heavy touch left the keeper odds on to win possession… as he raced through, he managed to just get a touch on the ball and then was sent crashing to the floor by the keeper. As the referee ran over, we thought we had won a penalty, but instead he awarded a free kick and booked Routledge for diving. Personally I think the whole Eduardo scenario was clear in his mind, and we should have been awarded a spot kick in my opinion. The fact that he booked Routledge though did show an inconsistency, as Scunthorpe players had been falling like flies in our box… and we got absolutely nothing from it – not even a free kick!
Magilton was raring on the sidelines. As the goal kick was taken long up the field, the referee again awarded Scunthorpe a free kick in a threatening position for a nothing challenge from Ramage. This tipped Magilton over the edge – and rightly so in my eyes. It should have been a penalty, and that was certainly no free kick! As a result from his protests, Magilton was sent to the stands. The freekick flew into the box, and met by a Scunthorpe player… but it went just wide of the post.
Finally the board came up – 5 minutes! Where 5 minutes came from I don’t know, and as the Scunthorpe fans really found their voice… it had a Home Park kind of feel to it.
I could barely stand to watch anything more of this.
But we could at least laugh about 1 minute into injury time. As the players battled for possession on the pitch, it was nail biting stuff. Then a porky man walked past, with a tray attached to the front of him carrying pies and pasties that he was selling. The QPR fans all rose to their feet and clapped him as he walked past, as he looked up at us almost as if he could sense a sale… “Who ate all the pies” “You fat B*stard!” and “You’re so fat it’s unbelievable” was chanted at him, with arms throwing in his direction. It was absolutely HILARIOUS!
While the fans all turned to each other laughing, we looked on as Scunthorpe really piled on the pressure. With whistling and groans the only noise now coming from the QPR fans, the referee finally blew his whistle and the game was won. We have had to wait long and hard for this, but it was a welcome relief when we finally wrapped up the 3 points.
Another negative point that has surrounded Loftus Road and various message boards has been the attitude of the players. Whether credit should to go Magilton or Fitz Hall for trying to mend the relationship I don’t know… but after Hall came and gave his shirt to a young child, pretty much all of the other players followed suit. Looking down there were some very happy little children – and it clearly made their day! The players made a huge deal of coming over to them, and rightly so. Its little things like this that makes all the difference in my opinion – and hats off to every one of them… it didn’t go unnoticed by the fan that’s for sure.
One player who people just can’t criticize for passion and heart is Peter Ramage. He was the last player to walk over. He looked up at where we were stood singing, and pointed over towards the goal where Cerny had been situated, and blew a huge huge sigh of relief. You could tell that keeping the clean sheet, and getting the result meant the world to him. As all the players walked back, it was his name that was being sung… after clocking that it was him the fans were chanting – he turned round and just stood applauding us… he couldn’t contain how proud he was, and walked off with an enormous smile written all over his face. I personally thought it was fitting that in amongst ‘crowd pleasers’ like Routledge, Buzsaky, Ephraim, Taarabt, Vine etc… it was our gritty right back who never ceases to thank the fans that got the stand out ovation. It was a lovely moment.
Player Ratings –
Cerny – I thought he had a really good game yesterday. At times, we were under an enormous amount of pressure, but his experience and cool head was invaluable towards the latter stages of the game. Pulled off a couple of really good saves, and organized the defence well.
Ramage – Looked very good in possession, and put in some great crosses into the box. One gripe I do have with him is that he sometimes cuts in and crosses with his left foot – and it causes near on no danger every single time… but when on his right foot, you cant ask for much more. Put in a couple of great tackles (especially in the second half), and had a pretty good game. As mentioned above, he got a terrific reception.
Connolly – Back in the starting line up where he belongs IMO. Have to say, I thought he was hands down man of the match yesterday. He marshalled the backline expertly, and just didn’t put a foot wrong. I really think we have missed his presence at the back this season, and Magilton will have been delighted with his performance here. Superb.
Hall – I have since learned that he was vomiting before the game started, and in my eyes that makes his performance all the better. He was very strong in the air, and also fed the midfield plenty of possession. He did do a couple of aimless long balls forward, but also did a couple of superb ones too. Took a nasty knock at the end of the first half, but battled on through it. One slight negative, he did give away a fair few free kicks (although some/many of them looked pretty harsh).
Borrowdale – On the basis of what I have seen so far this season, I feel that we need a new left back in. I am trying to look at the positives of his game yesterday, and to be fair he did break up play (about 4 times I counted). However, his positioning is shocking and quite simply I just don’t feel he is up to the job. I don’t think it would be fair to describe him as a liability on this showing – but certainly a weakness.
Routledge – My concern all season long has been whether or not he could maintain the superb form he is in, but that has now shifted to how we fend off the ‘big boys’ should they come knocking. He was irresistible (yet again) yesterday, and ran the full back ragged. Brilliant.
Faurlin – Very neat and tidy game from him. He swept up near on every loose ball, and if the ball was ever there to be won… he was going for it. Some of his passes were exquisite (look out on highlights his one two with Taarabt / pass to Leigertwood). I think he is starting to bed in with the style of play, and looks more than comfortable at this level.
Leigertwood – He is another one that splits opinion. Personally, I have always rated him. He should have scored with his chance early on, and was possibly a little unlucky it didn’t fall right. He has been criticized for having erratic passing, which on occasion was misplaced. But he does all the ugly gritty things so so well, and I feel that gets overlooked far too often. He helped boss the midfield, and kept the shape of the team excellently. Good game from him in my eyes.
Ephraim – Looked good when in possession, but he didn’t get on the ball as much as I would have liked. His set piece delivery was fairly good, and used the ball well when he did have possession. Not a great game from him, but showed little glimpses of what he is capable of.
Taarabt – I still feel he isn’t best played as a striker, but he firmly rammed my words down my throat with his goal. He finished it like a seasoned veteran, and had a lively game. Plenty of moments that were nice to watch on the eye, coupled with plenty more chasing down and tackling. As mentioned above, he is improving as a player and credit must to go Magilton for that.
Simpson – I thought he had a very promising debut. He covered every single blade of grass yesterday, and was clearly intent on impressing Magilton. His pace his electric, and I think that given a run in the side he will cause problems. Was later substituted – he must have been shattered. For effort you could ask no more. He did have to put up with some heavy handed defending, but on the whole I thought he had a good game and dealt with it well.
Substitutes –
Helguson – I have to hold my hands up and say I have been very unimpressed with him so far this season. He has looked slow and lethargic IMO. But yesterday, he set up Vine with a brilliant pass and also picked out Routledge with another great bit of vision. I feel his only role for QPR should be from the bench (at best), but I can’t knock him for yesterday’s game. He played very well.
Vine – I’m not sure if it’s just me, but he just couldn’t seem to stay on his feet. He was constantly falling all over the place. He missed an absolute sitter, and there can be no excuses for missing it. One positive, he did do a couple of great runs but ended up getting cut down by desperate challenges.
Mahon – Brought on just to beef up midfield, and did his job. Didn’t make any huge impact though.
On the whole, I was delighted with yesterday. We did ride our luck a little at times, but in fairness so did Scunthorpe. Another day we go in at the break 4-0 to the good, so I don’t think they will claim that they deserved anything more than they actually got.
The positive is that we ARE picking points up away from home, and I think this win will make an enormous difference to the players. Now the pressure of winning that first game is off – hopefully we can go on a little run.
The signs yesterday were very encouraging, and this team it just starting to click now.
When we got home the count said that we clocked up just over 500 miles, and it was worth every second of it.
Well done QPR!!!
Hope you enjoyed reading.
U R’sssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!
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