It's Samba Time at Loftus Road as R's Held at Home Again...

QPR 1-1 Blackburn

The search for their first home Premier League win of the season continued as the R's were held at home by struggling Blackburn, in what was a disappointing game at Loftus Road.

Again, the gang arrived and assembled at various different times and locations and when walking past the Club Shop, saw a HUGE queue to get in, with people obviously wishing to spend the their vouchers received from the club during the week in compensation for the season ticket increase set down from the previous owners. I really don't know what to spend mine on yet, but there was no way I was getting into the shop today...

From there I ventured to the Springbok, of which was again, a sweatbox due to this ridiculous no drinking outside the pub rule that came into force at the tail end of last season. This really has killed the pre match atmosphere for me personally and I caught up with the gang outside the pub, which included Sophie and Birthday Boy, Richard, as well as my dear friend Laura and Dad, Graham. I later bumped into newly weds, Corinne and Mark White who were married earlier this month in the South of France. Many congratulations guys!!

For those that were in the pub, they would have seen the new Rangers owner, Tony Fernandes who was on what was a popular, meet and greet walk around and was very refreshing to see the guy wanting to meet the R's supporters. Well done that man!

Onto the game and it was a changed line up from the last time out at Fulham with Traore returning to left back, Helguson coming in for Bothroyd and the first start in 10 months since breaking his leg, ironically against Blackburn, for Jamie Mackie, at the expense of Adel Taarabt who dropped to the bench. News had also filtered through that sadly, DJ Campbell, had suffered a broken metetarsal during the week and faces a spell on the sidelines. We wish him a VERY speedy recovery!!

Following a scrappy opening 10 minutes, Blackburn almos took the lead when Ferdinand sliced Olsson's cross onto his own bar and over. But on 17 minutes, it was Rangers that took the lead - Helguson's header from a corner was blocked and poorly cleared with the ball falling back to to the feet of Helguson, who chipped into the top corner. Other reports are saying it was a cross come shot, but I would like to think he meant it as it looked one hell of a smart finish.















Rangers almost added a second moments later when Helguson was inches away from Mackie's low cross from the left. Joey Barton also went close, before the match drew level on 24 minutes - a Blackburn corner was headed home by Samba with embarrasing ease. Shaun Wrght-Phillips long range shot went just wide, but the Blackburn goal saw them up their game a great deal and the impressive Junior Hoilett saw his effort cleared off the line by Ferdinand.

Onto the second half and Rangers started brightly - Wright-Phillips cross was just out of reach for the on rushing Shaun Derry. Taarabt joined proceedings on 64 minutes and could have made an instant impact, but miscued his shot terribly after being put through by Wright-Phillips.

Inside the last ten minutes and Rangers had a penalty appeal turned away after having his legs being taken by Samba, but referee Clatternburg was having none of it. Just when it seemed Blackburn were holding on, they broke away and Olsson's effort from the left forced a fine save from Paddy Kenny.

QPR: Kenny, Derry, Hall, Faurlin, Mackie (Taarabt 64), Traore, Barton, Young, Helguson, Wright-Phillips (Smith 83), Ferdinand. Subs: Murphy, Orr, Bothroyd, Buzsaky, Puncheon.

Man of the Match - a difficult one for so many reasons with myself and Lee going for Heidar Helguson and California Hoop going for Anton Ferdinand. But with 3 votes from Corp, PK and Jenson, today's award goes to Alejandro Faurlin.

To summarise, personally I am disappointed with this latest outing from the R's. With respect, if we are going to stay in the Premier League, we have to be beating teams like Blackburn at home. But like in so many other games this season, Rangers lacked a cutting edge and the need for another striker becomes more evident.

Blackburn at home has now completed our induction to the Premier League and in the next 3 weeks, Chelsea and Man City visit Loftus Road and in between that, a visit to White Hart Lane. But hey, these are the games we are here for isn't it??? Bring them on!!!

Come on You R'ssssssss!!!!