QPR Ram Raid Clough's Big Day...

Derby 0-2 QPR

QPR turned in their best away performance of the season to spoil Nigel Clough's first game in charge of Derby County, by claiming a well deserved win on the road - their first since Norwich on September 17th.



For one reason or another, I was alone in my travels to Pride Park this morning, but had a breeze of a journey and arrived at midday to share an enjoyable pre match with the Leeds based contingent. Although QPR have yet to lose at this ground, there was perhaps slight apprehension of today's outcome, what with it being Nigel Clough's first game in charge of the Rams and the famous 'New Manager Syndrome'. But sadly for Derby, nobody told QPR...



Rangers, to a man, were awesome today and the only disappointment came with the news that Martin Rowlands knee injury, sustained in the first half, could well be serious. On 11 minutes, a tackle from Addison, led to the R's Captain falling awkwardly and after treatment, he was eventually stretchered off and replaced by Hogan Ephraim. As mentioned, since arriving home, it seems that the injury could well be serious and Rowlands is being sent for scans on Monday - fingers tightly crossed for you Rowly!!!



The R's went deservedly ahead on 22 minutes - Ephraim played in Helguson, who was challenged by Albrechtsen, but the ball fell to the impressive Routledge who fired home in front of the R's fans!



Rangers went further ahead just 14 minutes later, with Routledge involved again. The winger beat his man and squared the ball to Mikele Leigertwood to fire home from 12 yards. The first half ended with Rangers as comfortable as the scoreline and the 'Mighty Sousa - win away' chant, amongst others was been sung loudly and with confidence by the R's fans.



As you would have expected, Derby did rouse themselves briefly at the start of the second half, but Radek Cerny saved well from Addison and later, Hogan Ephraim headed off the line. Rangers could have had a third when Carroll saved well from Ephraim, but the final whistle brought much celebration in the away end.

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Rowlands (Ephraim 11), Connolly, Cook (Alberti 90), Helguson (Di Carmine 63). Subs: Hall, Blackstock.

Lofty's Man of the Match - I could quite easily give this award to the entire team! It was a fantastic team performance and QPR to a man, were simply awesome. Matt Connolly, Hogan Ephraim, Kaspers Gorkks and Wayne Routledge were all excellent, but today's award goes to Mikele Leigertwood for his goal and an outstanding performance in the R's midfield.

In summary, QPR were outstanding! There really isn't any more I can add to this except long may it continue! However, I am pretty gutted for my fellow away game sufferer, PK, who had to miss this one due to unexpected work commitments. Don't worry mate, there will undoubtedly be more away wins for you to enjoy!

Altogether now - 'a win away, a win away, a win away, a win away'.....

P.S.Thanks for the tickets, Gaz!!