The Great Escape...

QPR 1-0 Prestom

The Great Escape theme tune was ringing around Loftus Road tonight as Dexter Blackstock's stunning goal gave Rangers a well deserved and crucial victory against promotion chasing Preston.



After Saturday's performance, the gang were again, reasonably upbeat. So much so, that another raid on the bookmakers was on the cards and at the end of the game, the three points must have also help ease the pain on Al Murray/Corporate's frequently whacked, new tattoo.

After just 60 seconds, it looked as though it was going to be our night as England International, David Nugent somehow managed to poke the ball wide from just yards out. From there on in, it was all Rangers and how we were not ahead by half time was anyone's guess? Chances fell to Ainsworth, Blackstock and Nygaard and at times, it seemed as though Rangers wanted to walk the ball into the net.

Onto the second half, and on 51 minutes, Loftus Road was jumping as Nygaard found Blackstock who cushioned the ball with his first touch, then rifled the ball home from 25 yards with his second - a stunning goal!



Rangers then fought for their lives as Preston came back into the game and the tension was becoming quite unbearable as the clock seemed to take an age to count down. Towards the end, Preston had four strikers on the pitch but Rangers held firm and should have made the points safe in injury time as Blackstock was denied by a great save from Loneghan. But after 5 agonising minutes, the ref finally got something right and blew the final whistle.

QPR: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth, Lomas, Cook (Ricketts 46) (Smith 82), Stewart, Nygaard, Blackstock, Mancienne (Kanyuka 46). Subs: Cole, Furlong.

Lofty's Man of the Match - and back to his best - Gareth Ainsworth

It certainly felt good to be an R's fan this evening. This was Rangers game in hand and there is no doubt just how crucial this win is as it gives us a 4 point cushion on the bottom three. Our superiour goal difference on the teams below us could also be said to be an extra point. But although this wasn't the best footballing performance, the spirit, fight and passion shown by every R's player on the pitch saw us through tonight... and more of the same may well keep us in the Championship.

A correct match prediction from myself meant that the gang were again successful at the bookies, and it has been decided that the winnings will roll on to Saturday's game at Coventry.

To end a fantastic night, a Special mention must go to Leeds based R's fans Vickie, Joe and Paul. I haven't known them that long and this is probably the norm for them, but travelling down from Yorkshire for a Tuesday night game is impressive support indeed! Vickie, this pic is for you!