Lofty Heights... 'Ohhh Bobby Zamooooora!!!'

A look at Queens Park Rangers F.C. through the eyes of the fans - follow us on twitter @loftyheights70, @LoftyQPR and @qprleeroy








Sunday, March 29, 2009

109 n/o...


Congratulations to David Beckham who became England's most capped outfield player (109), coming on as a second half substitute in the 4-0 win over Slovakia at Wembley yesterday.

Photobucket

Last night's game also showed us the new England home shirt which is released on 1st April. Personally, I don't know if I like this or not at the moment.

Discuss please...

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Madness...


What do you do if your team has overall, been struggling for goals all season? Answer: loan out your top scorer to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the season...



Nottingham Forest have completed the loan signing of Queens Park Rangers striker Dexter Blackstock until the end of the season and I am struggling to think just why QPR have done this? Well, it has been widely reported that Flavio Briatore is not a fan of the R's top scorer, so I guess that is that then...

Good Luck Dexter, hope you do well for Forest and more importantly, I hope you come back!!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

QPR Rock the Robins...


QPR 2-1 Bristol City

QPR made it two wins in a week, with a much deserved victory over play off chasing Bristol City at a very sunny afternoon at Loftus Road.


Photobucket

Unfortunately, the very welcome sunny spring weather, also brought the sight of PK in shorts yesterday who wasted no time in trying to get some early colour onto the legs. But things in general were a lot more upbeat before kick off yesterday following the excellent midweek win over Swansea. At the end of that game, there was more a sense of relief around the Stadium than anything else. But at the final whistle yesterday, there was pure, jubilation!

As mentioned, Rangers thoroughly deserved this win despite another pedantic referee. But in a relatively quiet first half, the R's should have taken the lead through Samuel Di Carmine. Adel Taarbat found the Italian striker in space near the edge of the penalty area, but Di Carmine's weak shot was easily pushed away by Basso. City also had two decent chances - McIndoe's cross was blasted over by an unmarked Ivan Sproule. Then Nicky Maynard fired over from ten yards following a rare mix-up in the R's defence.

In the second half, Jordi Lopez saw a free kick easily saved by Basso, but got another bite at the cherry minutes later and on 65 minutes, following a foul on Di Carmine, the Spanish midfielder put Rangers ahead with a superb 25-yard effort that curled into the top corner.


Photobucket

Rangers looked comfortable enough until the 77th minute when McIndoe superbly volleyed home Sproule's cross to the far post. But 5 minutes later, great work from Cook set Delaney free on the left, who got free of his marker and crossed for Adel Taarabt to grab his first goal in English football, which sent the home crowd into raptures. Helguson and Routledge both had decent chances to extend the lead, but after four minutes of stoppage time, the whistle blew on what has been an excellent week for QPR.

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Leigertwood, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly (Helguson 61), Lòpez, Alberti (Routledge 46), Di Carmine (Cook 73), Ephraim, Taarabt. Subs: Mahon, Vine.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Jordi Lòpez

Photobucket

For the second game running, the man of the match was a tough one to call with so many good performances throughout the team. Defensively, we were solid enough, despite a change around when Leigertwood stepped in for the injured Connolly in the second half. The rejuvinated Peter Ramage also continued his fine recent form. Ephraim and Taarabt were again excellent in midfield, but for me, the goal from Lòpez was the clincher and his free kick as good as anything seen elsewhere.

Realistically although not impossible, the play off's may be beyond us now, but it is refreshing to see that the R's are not going to let the season just fizzle out. The recent poor run of form unfortunately coincided with the farcical season ticket announcement and has led to an extremely downbeat mood in and around Loftus Road of late. The last two games/results have certainly brought a few smiles back to the faces of QPR fans.

Never, say Never...

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Halleluyaaaah...


QPR 1-0 Swansea

QPR gained their first win in 10 games with a much deserved victory over Swansea at Loftus Road, with a goal from Mikele Leigertwood.


Photobucket

Well, I have to be honest after Rangers recent run, I was dreading this game. More so after hearing the starting line up which baffled many, with no Blackstock, Routledge and Stewart.

QPR: Cerny, Hall, Leigertwood, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly, Lòpez, Alberti, Di Carmine, Ephraim, Taarabt.

But I have to say, that after this much needed and much deserved win, Paulo Sousa got his tactics absolutely spot on tonight!!


Photobucket

The goal, QPR's first in four games, came on 30 minutes - Jordi Lopez swung in a deep cross from a free kick from the right wing and Leigertwood shrugged off his marker to head home past Dorus de Vries in the Swansea goal. There was much relief around Loftus Road and it seemed like we had almost forgotten how to celebrate a goal.

Swansea did have decent spells of possession, but found the R's back four resolute. The midfield also tonight were outstanding and QPR looked dangerous coming forward with Matteo Alberti having a fine game on the right. The highlight of the evening for me were the performances of home debutant, Adel Taarabt and Hogan Ephraim, who complimented eachother superbly and were a joy to watch.


Photobucket

QPR: Cerny, Hall (Delaney 84), Leigertwood, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly, Lòpez (Miller 87) Alberti, Di Carmine (Helguson 74), Ephraim, Taarabt. Subs: Vine, German.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Hogan Ephraim!

I must say, after many weeks, how refreshing it is to be sitting here writing these notes after not only a decent win, but a very decent performance. Also great to have so many choices for the man of the match - Radek Cerny and the back four were solid thoughout, with special mention to another great performance from Peter Ramage at right back. The midfield were awesome, with Ephraim, Alberti and Taarabt looking exciting when coming forward. Not forgetting Samuel Di Carmine who worked his socks off in his lone striking role.

There is not much more to say other than it was thoroughly enjoyable and long may it continue...

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Stalemate and Stale Burgers at St Marys...


Southampton 0-0 QPR

QPR stretched their winless run to nine games in a goalless draw against relegation threatened Southampton. It was also Rangers fourth game without scoring.


Photobucket

I've mentioned this before I know, but Southampton away, is one of my favourite fixtures of the season. It's quick and easy to get too, Rangers always take a huge support and we have also, yet to be beaten at St Marys - and it has remained that way, although the Saints will have never had a better chance and I wasn't at all confident of getting anything from yesterday's match. The atmosphere and banter between the fans is also good and Bradley Wright-Phillips, or his recent misdemeanors, were a huge and very amusing factor for the 2,500 R's fans to focus on, for which I must say, he took in very good spirit.

In saying the ground is quick and easy to get to, myself, PK and the Henley mob were caught up for 45 minutes following an accident on the M3, but we still arrived in good time for a couple of drinks in the Chapel Arms.

Onto the game and in the 3rd minute,Southampton had a chance when Jason Euell broke through with only the Cerny to beat but his control let him down and he dinked the ball wide. Rangers then had much the better of things and Routledge missed a great chance on 22 minutes, heading wide from just 3 yards wide after Gorkss nodded across Lopez's corner.

In the second half, although Rangers seemed in control, the Saints had the better of the chances - Andrew Surman mis-hit a shot from ten yards with only goalkeeper Radek Cerny to beat and then in injury time, Surman again saw his effort cleared from near the line by Stewart. Adel Taarabt's shot at the death, forced a great save from Davies, but the referee blew the whistle soon after for a result that in truth, benefitted neither side.

QPR: Cerny,Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Blackstock, Gorkss, Ramage, Connolly, Miller (German 71), Lòpez (Mahon 87), Ephraim (Taarabt 79) Subs: Hall, Alberti.

Lofty's Man of the Match - The back four all had decent games with Ramage again performing well, by just doing simple things. But the award this week goes to Kaspars Gorkss for another almost faultless display at the back.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives with as mentioned, a solid performance from the back four, the debut of youth team starlet, Antonio German up front and the introduction of loan signing, Adel Taarabt, who looks like he could be a very exciting signing indeed. Again, the major negative is that we failed to score for the fourth game running and it seriously looks like it is affecting the players now - this was more in eveidence yesterday than ever before in my opinion. Also on yesterday's evidence, it sadly looks as if we won't be returning to Southampton next season as they looked a very poor side indeed.

And to finish, last season, we took up the offer of doubling up for 50p at the Burger Van near the away end after the game, which led us firmly back there this season. Sadly, in the current economic climate, we weren't offered the same deal this time, but the double burgers were snapped up by us all the same, some more than others ;o). But with the text received from PK earlier this morning, it seems that the decision by some to have an extra burger, was the wrong one. I feel I need explain no further ;o)

Friday, March 13, 2009

Welcome Adel Taarabt...


QPR have today captured the loan signing of Spurs midfielder, Adel Taarabt until the end of the season.



The 19 year old, attacking, Moroccan International midfielder goes straight into the R's squad to face Southampton tomorrow. With the recent slump in form and a distinct lack of goals, many will question why, another midfielder? Howvever, many Tottenham fans with whom I work with, rate Taarabt extremely highly.

Good Luck Adel and WELCOME to QPR!!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

R's on The Road... To Southampton


by Lee Brown.

This coming Saturday the R's go on the road on a relatively short trip to St. Marys where in-form Southampton are the hosts.



The Stadium




Current capacity - 32.489

Southampton moved into their new(ish) St. Marys stadium in 2001, leaving their home for more than 100 years, The Dell. In 1898 Southampton St. Mary's, as they were known then, built a new home for the club, The Dell, as they were in the middle of their most successful period where they won the Southern League 6 times in 8 years between 1897 and 1904 and also played in 2 FA Cup finals in 1900 and 1902, losing both to Bury and Sheffield United respectfully. The Dell cost the Saints £10,000 back then and played host for the home team for 103 years before moving into the St. Marys stadium. The grounds name was adopted from their former club name Southampton St. Mary's and embrace in a little bit of nostalgia.

Traditionally away supporters are housed in the Northam Stand to the left hand side of the ground. There is usually an allocation of 3,200, this can be increased to 4,750 but this only ever occurs on cup tie occassions. The ground itself can be compared to Middlesborough's ground (The Riverside) for those who have not visited St. Mary's.

Personally speaking I find St. Mary's to be a fantastic stadium, plenty of atmosphere can be created and witheld within the constraits of the stands. There is plenty of leg room for when you are watching the game, plus a large concourse area for us all to enjoy a pre match discuss and maybe a pint or two.

The History between the teams

At Southampton (36 games)

Southampton 15
Q.P.R. 10
Draws 11

Since Southampton moved into their new home Rangers have never lost on their travels there, winning 2 and drawing once. This has definately been a lucky ground for us in recent years and has provided us with a good few memories to reminice a few times when the fixture comes back around. The last 2 encounters have ended in 2-1 and 3-2 wins for the R's, providing both sets of fans a great days entertainment along the way.

For me the most memorable game came on 30th Sept 2006 where Rangers won the game 2-1, but it will be remembered for a fantastic equaliser from the narrowest of angles after Ray Jones dispossessed Kelvin Davies on the far right on the penalty box (as we saw it from the stand) and cooly slotted home from an accute angle to send the away support into raptures.



How to get there

By Car :- The traditional way to reach Southampton is to use the M3 and turn off at junction 14 onto the A33. Continue down the A33 and follow Kingsway, which is on the ring road. Hit the B3038 which will lead you to Marine Parade and you will then hit the ground and can choose your parking destination.

Parking is very limited in the area, you can try and use a small industrial estate on the Northam side of the stadium, or alternatively use one of the few NCP car parks. The last option is to park a small way out of the city centre and use the park and ride facility which is located just off junction 8 of the M27. It is clearly signposted using the AA sign identity and is located near a big Tesco superstore. This service is free as you will have the park and ride ticket stubs on your match ticket.

By Train :- Plan your journey very carefully this weekend as there are engineering works meaning that the trains will be stopping a lot earlier than expected at Southampton Airport Parkway. Buses will be provided for football fans from here to Southampton Central, but your trip could be delayed by some time so please allow extra time when using this service.

Pubs 'n' Grub

There are many options open to fans in terms of pubs and food, which also makes the trip to the south coast so appealing.

As pubs go, i would recommend using a pub which is a stones throw from the ground. I am unsure of the name of it but i know it used to be Le Tissiers, it may be the Coopers Arms but please dont hold me to it.

If you choose to venture into the City centre for a beverage or food then you will have many options open to you. Yates would probably be my vote for the pub to use there, it hosts an equal amount of both home and away fans alike and is very friendly. As far as food goes, in the City centre you will have the usual choice of fast food chains, and a few healthier options around if you choose to go searching.
Plenty of burger vans are available around the stadium.

I do recommend holding on at the end of the game and approach the van across the road from the away stand as last year myself, Lofty, PK, Gordon and the rest of the Henley mob were offered the bargin of a lifetime! Double up for 50p! We did enjoy taking advantage of the cheap food on offer at the end of a very good day of football.

As always I have a small list of prices for the grub inside for us to enjoy pre match or durin half time. My picks this time around are - Hollands Pies (£2), Burgers (£2.50) and Hot Dogs (£2.50), a very limited list this week.

Game Preview

Southampton have hit a rich vain of form at home in recent weeks and under new manager Mark Wotte have started to play the total football that former manager Jan Poortvliet tried to get his side to play. The Saints looked like a team full of youth and inexperience until the last month or so, and with experienced goalkeeper and captain Kelvin Davis, with the likes of Jason Euell and Chris Perry also helping them along surely the future at St Mary's should be an exciting one with the likes of Andrew Surman coming through the ranks and establishing himself as one of the divisions brightest prospects over the last 2 seasons.

Rangers have now gone 8 games without a victory and a lack of goals is surely becoming a concern for the under pressure Paulo Sousa as he attempts to get the 'project' which is so often talked about back on track. Now with the R's 8 points off the play offs with a game in hand and everyone around them faltering at the same time everytime they slip up, can they start to pick up the vital points needed to secure their highest finish in recent years. May I just add, only 3 more points are needed to secure their place in the Championship next year...

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Rover and Out??


Doncaster 2-0 QPR

QPR literally gifted Doncaster a comfortable 3 points, as the winless run extended to 8 games at the Keepmoat Stadium.


Photobucket

Just myself and Lee, made the long, but extremely easy trip to the Keepmoat Stadium, so easy in fact that we actually beat our Leeds based friends to the post, arriving shortly after 5pm. We then spent a pleasant pre match, walking around the shopping centre, then onto the local McDonalds, where we were served by a charming young lady by the name of 'Matthew'?!??

Sadly, from there on in, the pleasantries began to fade as we made our way into the Keepmoat to further negativity amongst the travelling faithful. I cannot reveal sources obviously, but insist they are reliable and from what we were hearing, it wouldn't be at all surprising if Paulo Sousa was no longer QPR's Manager in the VERY near future. I am hoping that this is NOT true of course, but with Mr Briatore at the helm, it would hardly be surprising that Rangers would be looking for their fourth Manager of the season. I will comment no further at this stage as I do not want to expose the Club as an even bigger joke than it already is...


Photobucket

However, the match itself saw a disjointed Rangers put in another disappointing performance and on arriving home shortly after 1am, I was interested in reading Sousa's post match comments;

"If you want to achieve the project of the board - the Premier League - you need players who have a lot of personality. It's a good moment to analyse that."

It maybe just me, but isn't that saying that the players didn't fancy it? The R's were in fact, in full control of this game until the 22nd minute. There was no danger and no pressure as Stewart went to clear a long ball from Matt Mills and he headed back to where he thought his keeper was standing. But Cerny had raced off his line to collect the ball himself and could only watch helplessly as it sailed passed him into the empty net.

The heads went down and Rangers went to pieces and on 30 minutes, Paul Heffernan made it 2-0 - heading home after latching onto a flick from Sam Hird following a corner. The second half was marginally better and Rangers controlled the game possession wise, but although there were a few half chances, I am almost positive that we would NOT have scored had we still been playing at midnight.

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Gorkss (Lopez 52), Stewart, Connolly, Routledge, Mahon, Leigertwood (Miller 79), Alberti (Rose 52), Blackstock, Di Carmine. Subs Not Used: Hall, Balanta.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Peter Ramage. Only Ramage, Cerny and Connolly can come out of this match with any sort of credit I am very sad to say...

In summary, I really hope this isn't the end of Paulo Sousa's reign at Loftus Road, he, like any Manager will need time. But with the insistance of the owners that it is a 4/5 year plan for Rangers to reach the Premier League, time is something that has proved not be in great generosity to QPR Managers.

To finish on a positive note and yes, there was a couple - it was great to see Rowan Vine warming up with the team before the kick off and it surely won't be long now before we see Rowan back in action following his long lay off. Also, like myself, I guess that the majority of the R's fans at the Keepmoat tonight, were there to chalk off a new ground. But nevertheless, credit must go to the 600 odd QPR fans at the game, who gave the side tremendous support throughout, in what was a very trying evening...

Sunday, March 08, 2009

R's on The Road to Doncaster


This coming Tuesday night Rangers fans have the long trip up to Doncaster on their first ever visit to the Keepmoat stadium in what seems to be a challenging encounter for the visitors. Lee Brown brings his now regular look at what lies ahead for the R's fans making the journey.



The Stadium.

Current capacity - 15,231

Doncaster moved into the Keepmoat stadium at the start of 2007, playing Huddersfield Town on New Years Day . After spending 84 years at their previous home, Belle Vue. The stadium is very similar to the new stadium that are built nowadays, it is shaped like a bowl, is used as a multi purpose venue and is the host to not only Doncaster Rovers, Doncaster Belles and Doncaster Lakers Rugby league team also have The Keepmoat as their home.

The stadium cost £21million to build and is the only stadium in the Football League(apparently) to be housed next to a lake.

Away fans are housed in the North Stand that traditionally holds 3,344 supporters. The view of the pitch, leg room and facilities in this stand are all said to be pretty good. The one downfall about the stand (and the rest of the ground included) is that there is a substantial tarmaced strip that runs around the outside of the pitch and pushes the fans further away from the pitch than we would all like.


Photobucket

From some of the reviews I have read about this ground in particular, the atmosphere is said to be very good and despite the 'bowl' stadia that usually loses a lot of noise, this one does hold it all in. We can also look forward to having cheerleaders entertaining us before the game and during the half time interval.

The History between the teams.....

At Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rvs. 3
Q.P.R. 1
Draws 1

The last time the two teams locked horns was in an FA cup match in the 1984/85 season. Doncaster run out 1-0 winners in that game. The last competitive league match was way back in the 1966/67 season, we can all remember this season for Rangers greatest moment in history! The match ended in a 1-1 draw, the only draw in this fixtures history (although there isn’t much history!)

How to get there.

This is a very easy ground to find, the hardest part of the journey is the distance. Travel up the M1 and leave at junction 32 to join the M18. Leave the M18 at junction 3 and you are only a mile away from the ground. There are a limited number of parking spaces at the stadium, around 1000 i am lead to believe and it will cost about £5 to park there. I am unaware of any other parking opportunities in and around the ground but I am sure there will be an alternative option if needed.

Photobucket

Pubs 'n' Grub

As the stadium is on the outskirts of town, there is not much choice in pubs as there are not any nearby. However through the Lakeside there is a Beefeater outlet (by Stadium Way), if you come off the M18 at junction 3 should should be able to catch sight of it. There is also another option if needed. There is a bowling alley by the Vue cinema on the other side of the lake that may appeal to some of us.

Food inside the ground includes- Pies (including the Chicken Balti pie), Pasties and Vegetarian 'Pizza Pods are supplied by Shire Foods and cost £2.30 each. Burgers and Hot Dogs are also available.

Preview

Despite defeat away at Cardiff on Saturday, Doncaster are one of the form teams in the Championship at present and many R's fans will be looking at a certain defeat with this one. Victory for Donny will bring them level on points with QPR, but the R's will stay above them with a far superior goal difference, yes, it's actually true. However, when the chips are down, Rangers are known to dog deep and surpised everyone and if this season isn't just going to fizzle out and go flat, the R's will need to bring something home from the Keepmoat, however they manage to get it? Whichever way you look at it, this is a very, VERY tough game for QPR on Tuesday night.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

QPR Fail to Cut Blades in Front of Goal...


QPR 0-0 Sheffield United

Missed chances again, proved costly for QPR in what was overall, a dull game at Loftus Road.


Photobucket

Sadly, since the announcement of the Season Ticket prices, it has coincided with the R's recent run of bad results and ultimately, has led to an extremely downbeat feeling around the place. No more so than outside the ground with very little positive talk about not only the Rs prospects against the Blades, but what lies ahead. Also, very strange that at this time and in the current economic climate, QPR have chosen to release a 'Boutique' range of merchandise - a QPR cashmere scarf at £120, a cashmere jumper at £275, hoodies and zip tops at £135 and mens and ladies trainers at £120 a pair!!?? With this in mind, it is actually my Birthday on Monday and as QPR have failed to deliver me 3 points for the occasion, if anyone needs any ideas...

Moving swiftly onto the game and with respect, it was all you would expect against Sheffield United - not pretty, lots of stoppages, lots of niggly little fouls and lots of whingeing, no more so than Blades midfielder, Stephen Quinn who was moaning the moment he walked out onto the pitch.

In saying that though, Rangers had much the better things and created plenty of chances. Dexter Blackstock had a frustrating afternoon and was unable to convert a number of opportunities, the best when he headed wide Leigertwood's cross in the second half. Later, came a scramble in the Blades box, during which Rangers somehow failed to score - Jordi Lopez mis-hit the ball towards Di Carmine and the Italian produced an equally woeful sliced shot that fell to Blackstock, whose header was superbly pushed out by Kenny. Gorkss should have buried the rebound but somehow managed to miss the target.

That wasn't the worst though and we knew it just was not going to happen when Blackstock turned provider, picking out Matteo Alberti who somehow, from ten yards, side footed the ball high and wide.

QPR: Cerny, Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Delaney, Lopez, Leigertwood (Ephraim 81), Miller (Alberti 54), Routledge, Di Carmine (Balanta 76), Blackstock. Subs Not Used: Mahon, Hall.

Lofty's Man of the Match - too close to call between these two so it goes to both Radek Cerny and Matt Connolly.

Albeit another disappointing afternoon, this was slightly better from Rangers and as mentioned at the start, missed opportunities have again cost us dearly. It's all very strange how quickly things can change. At the Ipswich game just 2 weeks ago, we were unbeaten in 9 and as I now write these notes, we are seven games without a win and without a home success since December. Two tough looking away games ahead will probably decide now, whether this season is just going to fizzle out, if it hasn't already...

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Hmmmm....


QPR 0-1 Norwich

Perhaps a tad harshly, QPR were again booed from the field following their 3rd defeat in 4 games, this time to relegation threatened, Norwich


Photobucket

I don't want to go on too much about it, but since the announcement of next years Season Ticket prices, the mood amongst QPR fans has been lethargic to say the least and was certainly the case with the many I spoke to tonight. Ironically, since the announcement, two straight defeats have followed against teams who are fighting relegation.

In truth, Rangers didn't deserve to be beaten tonight and despite dominating in possession, were caught out in the 68th minute when some crazy defending led to Stewart playing the ball to Gorkss, who was then robbed by Hoolahan, who in turn lined up Russell, who's shot should've been dealt with by Cerny, but due to the slippery conditions, the ball squirmed away from his grasp and bobbled into the net.


Photobucket

Previously, QPR had dominated the game in which Norwich were awarded a first-half penalty before the referee reversed his decision, which brought great entertainment with the chant of 'there's only one lino' from the R's fans. In my opinion, it was a nailed on penalty. Helguson missed yet another sitter in the first minute, firing wide when clear on goal following good work from Blackstock. He missed a second sitter in the second half, somehow heading wide Delaney's excellent cross from the left.

Kaspars Gorkss missed a great chance late on, failing to get any kind of power on a header from Ephraim's cross. But as mentioned, despite dominating in possession, Rangers lacked that killer touch in the final third and Norwich hung on for a valuable, but undeserved three points.

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Blackstock, Gorkss (Hall 87), Connolly, Miller (Ephraim 68), López, Helguson (Di Carmine 74). Subs: Mahon, Alberti.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Jordi López

Although disappointed, I can't really believe how we lost this one. At times, Rangers played some good football but a lack of goals is costing us dearly and we need to start putting our chances away, Heidar Helguson take note please. On a positive note, Jordi López had a decent home debut and looks a very promising signing for us.

As mentioned, the final whistle brought more boos from the home crowd, perhaps unfairly on this occasion in my opinion, but despite the majority of the team trudging off the field without acknowledging the fans, I was warmed to see a dejected Damion Stewart, having to literally be dragged from the pitch by the QPR backroom staff. It's kind of nice to know that someone cares...

Sunday, March 01, 2009

QPR Pay the Price...


Barnsley 2-1 QPR

QPR's play off hopes took another set back, with both a defeat and a dire performance away at Barnsley.


Photobucket

Okay, well the opening line maybe a bit harsh I guess? Harsh on Barnsley who thoroughly deserved the three points with the difference being, they wanted it!!

Despite leaving later than we wanted to, it was just myself and PK today and a breeze of a journey saw us arrive at Oakwell just after 1pm where we met with Leeds based R's friends who had a much shorter journey than the norm for this one. Much of the talk beforehand was with regards to the recently announced Season Ticket prices for next year. I will elaborate with mine and my friends feelings on this in a second, because trust me, the report will NOT take long!

After a scrappy opening, Barnsley took the lead on 26 minutes when Mifsud found space on the left and aimed a pinpoint cross for the far post where Bogdanovic was waiting 'unmarked' to guide a smart header inside the post. The lead lasted just nine minutes when Rangers produced an almost carbon copy strike to level. Matteo Alberti showed a neat touch on the left and his cross found Damien Delaney, whose cool header deceived keeper Heinz Muller. At the time, we thought it was Blackstock's goal and even Sky gave it to the R's frontman. But it was, clearly Delaney's and a fine header it was too.


Photobucket

But two minutes before half-time the Tykes were again gifted a goal. Da Dilva's first shot was blocked by Kaspars Gorkss, but the Brazilian saw the opportunity when the ball dropped for him again in the area and he lashed a low shot to beat Cerny.

The second half as far as Rangers were concerned, was a non event and if anyone was going to score again, it would have been Barnsley, who won this game in midfield where Rangers were sadly lacking.

QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Blackstock, Gorkss, Connolly, Miller (Rose 55), Alberti (Lopez 69), Helguson (Di Carmine 80). Subs: Mahon, Hall.

Lofty's Man of the Match - Matt Connolly

Moving swiftly on and from one disappointment to another - QPR last week announced that they have brought back the early bird renewal for next years Season Tickets and the prices have been frozen. Good news you may think? But no, with the reduction in VAT, they have infact risen if you look at it that way? Also, to take advantage of this offer, you have until mid April to sign up for next season at the same, heavily increased price we paid for this season. Now, for most, there is just ONE more pay day between now and then and in my case, to find £600.

The most worrying thing of all is, that if you are unable to take up the early bird offer, which, always used to have the incentive of purchasing at a reduced price, your Season Ticket is again going up and QPR have somewhat conveniently, omitted the after early bird prices from the latest release on the Official Website. I really dread to think of what they may now be increasing too.

Yet again, QPR are asking us to pay for a product we have not yet received and yesterday's showing, went a long way to showing just how far we are away from the Premier League. With the evidence right in front of their eyes, with the ground yet to be full for any fixture this season and the much hyped 'C Club' a third full at best at every home game, the board have obviously not learned their lesson. They are not football people and for the second year running, the real football people, the supporters are going to have to suffer...