Ram Raid...

QPR 1-2 Derby

There has definitely been a more positive outlook around just lately since John Gregory has taken over. But sadly, the unbeaten run since his arrival came to an end tonight as with, what I seem to have written lots about this season - more bad defending proving costly.

In fairness, Derby have a great away record and you can see why. As Corporate pointed out, they play with an attacking 4-3-3 formation which is very rare for an away side in this day and age. Overall, Rangers struggled to get to grips with it and Derby were worthy winners in the end. But it could have been so different as Rangers dominated the majority of the first half.

We also have hit on a trend and conceded yet another early goal - as Bisgaard curled the ball home on 3 minutes, after taking advantage of some poor marking. But Rangers hit back just 3 minutes later as Jimmy Smith smashed a wonder goal into the net from 20 yards.



Rangers then dominated and had chances to take the lead, but were caught napping at the back again as Howard made it 2-1 from close range, despite heroics from Paul Jones. You could really tell that the goal knocked the stuffing out of Rangers and I think it's fair to say that Derby controlled the game from then on.

It was then down to Paul Jones to steal the limelight with what was an outstanding performance! Jones was simply brilliant and produced world class save after workd class save to keep Derby at bay. In fact, if it wasn't for the Welsh International, it could have been an embarrasing scoreline!

QPR: P Jones, Lomas (Donnelly 81), Stewart, Rehman, Bignot, Rowlands, Bircham, Smith, Cook, Blackstock, R Jones (Gallen 73). Subs: Royce,Ward, Mancienne.

Lofty's Man of the Match - need you ask? Paul Jones

To sum up, you couldn't fault the effort from Rangers tonight, it was just one of those nights! Derby were well orgainised and also defended very well as Rangers threw everything at them in the 2nd half. But it is essential that Gregory must go to work on the defence as we just can't continue gifting the opposition goals like this!

©LOFTY