Taarabt's Too Good For You...

QPR 3-1 Preston

Adel Taarabt stole the show with two superb goals, as QPR returned to the top of the Championship with a more than comfortable victory over bottom club, Preston.



Again, the gang arrived in full strength at the Springbok, including Jo's nephew/Sam and Lee's cousin, 7 year old, Jack, for his first ever visit to Loftus Road. We all hope you had a great time, Jack and enjoyed the game - you certainly went home a lot richer than when you arrived! Another young Ranger in the making I'm sure, after today :)

With a few players missing due to injury and suspension, there seemed to be a little apprehension before the game, especially after seeing the team selection on arrival at the Stadium. But worry, we certainly shouldn't have as Rangers went about their work and simply destroyed Preston - it's also fair to say that it was almost embarrasing of just how dominant Rangers were. The only real dissappointment was that we only won 3-1, we could have had six, seven or maybe more and those at the game will agree that I am by no means exaggerating.

It took just four minutes for the R's to open the scoring - keeper Lonergan failed to hold a low cross from Kyle Walker and Rob Hulse tapped home his first goal for QPR! Rangers continued to create chance after chance with Mackie and Clarke both going close and Clarke also had a goal chalked off for a foul on the goalkeeper. Despite the dominance, Preston nearly drew level when Paddy Kenny failed to punch the ball clear but fortunately the ball was cleared. It was quite amazing that Rangers went in that break with just the one goal to show for their efforts.

Preston's best chance fell just after the break, but normal service was resumed in the R's goal with Kenny making a fine save from Adam Barton. Adet Taarabt then took over proceedings and the second goal duly arrived on 56 minutes in spectacular fashion - Taarabt picked up the ball in the Preston half and attacked the defence, before curling a superb 25 yard effort into the top right hand corner.



Rangers continued to pepper the Preston goal with Hulse and Gorkss both seeing their efforts cleared off the line, before Taarabt infuriated a few of his team mates by shooting for goal instead of squaring to Hulse, Mackie or Clarke - but he more than made up for his error on 84 minutes and another 25 yarder, this time a thunderbolt, that beat Lonergan, who got a touch but could only help the ball on it's way into the net.

The Lilywhites pulled back a consolation with two minutes to go when Matt Connolly diverted a wayward cross into his own net when there seemed no danger - to be honest, this was the ONLY way Preston were going to score today.

QPR: Kenny, Hill, Hall (Rowlands 81), Taarabt, Clarke, Faurlin, Mackie (Andrade 87), Gorkss, Walker, Connolly, Hulse (Agyemang 81). Subs: Cerny, Leigertwood, Helguson, Ephraim.

Lofty's Man of the Match - no real discussion today really - Adel Taarabt!!

The game may well have seen the end of Darren Ferguson's reign as Preston's Manager and on today's evidence, they looked a poor side with a severe lack of confidence - but you couldn't help but raise a smile or two with the banter directed at him from the R's fans on going 3-0 up - the maybe predictable - 'you're getting sacked in the morning' was followed by an absolute belter of a chant - 'you're Dad's ashmed of you'!! - CLASSIC!!

Bring on Cardiff and Come on You R'sssssssss!!!