Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

Leeds 2-0 QPR

After last weeks shocking defeat live on tv against Watford, Rangers' had the chance to bounce back but faced a very difficult trip to the Championship's in form team, Leeds United. The Lofty Heights crew were in attendance despite the difficult conditions.

The morning saw an early start as the group decided to leave slightly earlier than originally planned just to allow us plenty of allowance with our journey up to Yorkshire. Sam and myself arrived at Jenson's at 9 and jumped in his car and set off to pick up PK before getting Lofty. The journey started in slight snowy conditions but as we went north the snow covered areas become lesser as the roads were clear, giving us a clear run to Elland Road after a quick stop off for food.

Neil Warnock made a few changes to the team that lost last Friday. Bradley Orr and Rob Hulse came in for Heidar Helguson and the injured Alejandro Faurlin.

Rangers' started off the first half fairly strongly and when Adel Taarabt slipped a shot just past the post even though he had options either side of him which may of led to an easier chance created.
Leeds were content to sit and hold back before hitting the R's and it seemed as if they were targetting Clint Hill down the R's left and Robert Snodgrass made his life incredibly difficult.
It was no surprise when the Leeds goal came that it was created by Snodgrass, he jigged by two R's defenders before seeing his deflected cross float to the back post and Becchio nodded back to Max Gradel who smashed home from close range and gave Paddy Kenny no chance.
Leeds continued to push but Rangers were by no means being outclassed during the first half but failed to create any clear cut chances.

Half time came and there was still optimism within the group as we felt that a draw would be more than achievable and would definitely be a grear result.

The half time interval saw a Rangers' substitution with Fitz Hall coming on for Clint Hill. Hall took his place at centre back meaning Matt Connolly moved to midfield alongside Shaun Derry and Kyle Walker went to left back.
Rangers started the game steadily but again no clear cut chances were being created.
Just as it seemed the R's were taking a foothold on the game Leeds hit Rangers' on the break down the R's right hand side and Fitz Hall insisted on backing off Max Gradel from just inside the half until he entered the 18yard box and allowed the winger to get a shot in which sneaked inside Paddy Kenny's near post. For me it seemed as if Kenny could've done slightly better with the shot but why the hell Hall backed off for so long is beyond me.
Rangers' never recovered from that killer blow and if it wasn't for two fantastic Paddy Kenny saves then the defeat could've been even heavier.
It looked as if Hall picked up another injury with 10minutes of the game left but due to all three subs being used he remained on the pitch hobbling along, so another spell on the sidelines looks immenant.

Take nothing away from Leeds they deserved their victory today and once again we just were not on our game.

Today's Man of the Match is a very difficult one to choose but nominations for Rob Hulse and Paddy Kenny, but Shaun Derry got the unaminous decision with two votes.

Our incredibly difficult journey home was worsened when we were informed that our region down south was covered by over six inches of snow and the countries motorways were gridlocked, making our travel time home unthinkable.
I finish this report in a services just before Northampton and a gridlocked motorway in front of us all, its going to be a long night for us all!!


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO U ALL FROM MYSELF, LOFTY AND ALL THE GANG!!