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QPR 1-2 Palace

Following the excitement of the FA Cup draw, the disappointment returned to Loftus Road as Rangers simply gifted Palace the three points to slump to the foot of the table - and we looked a long way from the team that played the eagles off the park just four weeks ago.

Well, after two away defeats, we needed a performance and more importantly, a result tonight and after a shaky start, it looked as if we may get it as Damion Stewart headed home Buzsaky's corner on 10 minutes. The goal eased the fans concerns of seeing Zesh Rehman return to the starting line up. Also, if anyone saw Ben Sahar's 'I'm cold and can't be bothered' performance at Blackpool, you would wonder how on earth he warranted his place in the squad, let alone to start the match?!?



Rangers continued to dominate and had three further chances from Vine, Sahar and Sinclair to extend the lead, but like the away game, found keeper Speroni in great form. However, it was almost like a different team that came out for the second half and it wasn't long before the lead was turned into a deficit - assisted by yet another diablolical refereeing performance, this time from Alan Wiley.

Firstly, a dubious free kick was awarded to Palace and Clint Hill poked home Watson's cross as the Rangers defence stood still on 64 minutes. Two minutes later, and it was 2-1 when yet again, a dubious decision saw a corner awarded to Palace - Watsons corner was headed onto the bar, the rebound fell to Clinton Morrison who scored his customary goal against us - and for the second time, the R's defence all stood still.

The game then went from frustrating to just baffling and the decision to replace Buzsaky with Adam Bolder, instead of a frustrated Gareth Ainsworth who was literally chomping at the bit to get on the pitch, just about summed things up. Needless to say, Palace held on with embarrasing ease to take the three points.

QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Buzsaky (Bolder 86), Rowlands (Nygaard 72), Sahar (Balanta 84), Malcolm, Vine, Rehman, Leigertwood, Sinclair. Subs: Cole, Ainsworth.

Lofty's Man of the Match - two awards tonight as there was two teams playing in each half...

1st Half - Akos Buzsaky

2nd Half - Marc Nygaard - the fact that Marc was a 72nd minute substitute speaks volumes with my decision - he came on, battled hard and gave it a real go - an example to the others.

Well, it's difficult to know where to begin to sum this one up, but De Canio's decisions tonight HAVE to be questioned. Zesh Rehman has/is reportedly having/had his contract paid up and will leave the club... so how on earth he makes the starting line up? Well, you tell me! Sadly, his performance did little to alter my opinion. The last substitution, as mentioned, was baffling and it was no wonder Gaz Ainsworth threw his hat into the dug out in sheer anger and frustration. We were losing at home with 4 minutes to go so would you rather put on? A passionate attacking player that would die for the cause, or just simply swap one midfielder for another? Again, you tell me...

A major positive to come out of the game, was the debut of youth team starlet, Angelo Balanta, who has simply been on fire for youth and reserve this season and scoring a hatful of goals along the way - Congratulations Angelo!