Singing The Blues...

Rangers left Portman Road with a more than decent point against the best home record in the Championship, in what was an entertaining, albeit goalless affair.



I probably have mentioned this before, but Ipswich away is always one that I look for on the fixture list as it is one of my favourite away days of the season. Yet again, the journey was a breeze for myself and PK and we arrived in good time, to drive past the somewhat shocked stewards (who were blocking off the road) to the large car park right next to the away enclosure. But from there, we took a walk into town and after a few minor clothing adjustments, went to the 'home fans only' weatherspoons pub for a pre match pint or two and a somewhat unsuccessful attempt of trying to win some money from the pubs quiz machine.

So from there and in good spirits, we joined the exceptional away end, not only in numbers, but in vocals too and although prompted initially by the Ipswich pre match music, 'singing the blues' was belted out from the R's fans for most of the first half.



Onto the game and apart from the goals and like last week, the game had just about everything. The game went from end to end in the first half, but Ipswich were carving out the better chances, some of which forced Lee Camp into three world class saves. But Rangers had chances of there own, with Hogan Empraim firing a free kick just wide and Ephraim again, will be wondering how he didn't score, firing wide with the goal at his mercy. The R's also had a penalty turned down after Agyemang was brought down as he powered through the Ipswich defence.



The second half was much the same as the first, again going from end to end, but Rangers were dealing with the lively Ipswich attack far more comfortably. Agyemang was causing all sorts of problems as Rangers continued to threaten. But 5 minutes before the end, it looked as though Rangers efforts would be in vein as a crossed was flicked towards the goal and although impossible for R's fans to see from where we were sitting, Ipswich were claiming not only the ball had gone in, but failing that, that Matthew Connolly had also handled the ball. Fortunately for Rangers and to the anger of the Ipswich players and supporters, the ref waved play on and the late heartbreak that was Molinuex last week, was spared, thankfully...

QPR: Camp, Mahon, Stewart, Mancienne, Blackstock, Connolly, Agyemang, Ephraim (Balanta 92), Vine (Lee 65), Hall, Leigertwood (Rowlands 57). Subs: Barker, Pickens.

Lofty's Man of the Match; 2 main contenders this week and a tough one to call. Patrick Agyemang worked hard and his pace and power caused Ipswich problems all afternoon. But for a clean sheet and at least four excellent saves, it goes this time to Lee Camp.

In summary, well as already mentioned, Ipswich have the best home record in the Championship by far, so which ever way you look at it, this was a very decent point and it was pleasing to see the R's go there and give them a game. Following a stop at the badge seller, a more than decent burger van and a chat some of the, as always, friendly Ipswich fans, we ventured off on another breeze of a journey home, both happy with the result and indeed, the performance from the R's.