What if?

QPR 1-2 West Brom

Despite a fine performance, Rangers were again left empty handed after a stunning goal for Zoltan Gera six minutes from time, gave Albion the victory in an enthralling game at Loftus Road. But certainly not for the first time this season, it was a classic case of 'what if?' for the R's.

Before the game, it was great to welcome back and catch up with 'California Hoop' Alan for the game and after a two week break, the gang were all upbeat and after the success at Leicester... and decided to attack the bookmakers again.

Onto the game and the first half was pretty even with both sides having chances and generally, Rangers were more than holding their own against their high flying opponents. But the second half sprung into life as the Baggies took the lead after 48 minutes - Koumas threaded the ball through to Phillips who turned Stewart to finish well.

The game looked to be slipping away from Rangers as Albion went looking to finish us off. But on the hour, Dexter Blackstock came off the bench and made an immediate impact - With the excellent Paul McShane keeping Cook quiet on the left, Rangers were using the right flank and on 63 minutes, Ainsworth crossed and the substitute headed home, 1-1.



Rangers then had a golden chance to take the lead as Furlong broke through and was brought down by Clement for a penalty. Furlong took the kick himself and Dean Kiely broke Rangers hearts by diving to his right to save. The game could now have gone either way and on 84 minutes, it was Albion who made the breakthrough. Ellington eventually got the better of Mancienne to cross for Zoltan Gera - who finished with a stunning volley.

QPR: Camp, Bignot, Cullip, Bolder, Ainsworth (Ricketts 82), Cook, Stewart, Idiakez (Lomas 13), Furlong, Nygaard (Blackstock 61), Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Gareth Ainsworth

The manner of the Rangers performance, meant that I hadn't felt so choked at the end of a game for a long time. I have no doubt that if Furlong's penalty had gone in, we would have gone on to win the game. Sometimes, it can just be a case of taking your chances and sadly for Rangers, Albion took theirs. However a lot of heart can be taken from the performance and also that yet again, other results meant that we are still out of the bottom three.

As for our result at the bookies this week... well, let's not talk about this one ;-)