Point Won, Two Lost??

Millwall 2-2 QPR

QPR remain unbeaten, but an injury time equaliser gave this game a feeling of defeat as Millwall  robbed Rangers of the 3 points they deserved on the day...

A what should have been a quiet morning, led to disaster as a software update wiped all the numbers from my phone. It then seemed that I wouldn't make the game at all as London Underground disruptions led to me finding all stations in Harrow closed. With bus replacements etc, I finally met up with Jenson and PK, along with Chris and son, Connor, at the Globe in Baker Street for a much needed pint. Sam and Luke decided to give this one a miss and Lee and Jess chose the Cyprus sun instead of the splendour of South London.

We then set of for London Bridge and the short hop from there to South Bermondsey and arrived at the New Den at 2pm. After the most unnecessary and longest wait in a queue for refreshments ever, the 3 of us sampled the Millwall pies, more on that later..

On our last visit to the New Den, it was clear that the intimidating atmosphere created by the home crowd played a major part and no doubt had an effect on the R's that night. But we were all saying how more subdued it was this time around and the home ends were no where near sold out. Maybe what's going on on the pitch is having an opposite effect??

Onto the game and the first half was one of little opportunities for either side in what was a feisty London derby. But Rangers were continuing to play their passing game and Niko Kranjcar smacked the Millwall post with a superb 30 yard effort following Ekotto's throw in.

The home side had a penalty appeal turned down when Austin's clumsy looking challenge sent Liam Trotter over. To be honest, although it would have been soft, you see these given and Rangers got a lucky escape. But from the breakaway,  Hoilett found Barton, who in turn found Kranjcar on the edge of the box who smashed home and unstoppable drive.

Millwall's best chance came before the break when Trotter headed just wide from Waghorn's cross.

Onto the second half and on 51 minutes, the away fans were reminded of what it is like when the opposition score, following 8 previous clean sheets - Trotter dispossessed Richard Dunne and cut the ball back for McDonald to slot in. The goal certainly lifted the home support and the normal goading came from the stands on either side of us.

Rangers went back onto the attack and Austin found himself some space in the box but saw his effort well blocked. But with 20 minutes to go, Rangers went back in front - a superb through ball put Charlie Austin through who made no mistake with a great finish, stabbing the ball over the oncoming keeper..

Hoilett brought a fine save from Forde as the R's looked to make the game safe, but when Kranjcar was taken off on 72 minutes, it was clear the R's lost their creativity and looked to see the game out, but were defending way to deep, allowing the home side to come onto them... and they paid the ultimate price when in stoppage time, Jermaine Easter wriggled into the box and smashed a low drive off the post to break Rangers hearts.

Queens Park Rangers

• 01 Green
• 02 Simpson
• 39 Assou-Ekotto
• 17 Barton
• 05 Dunne
• 06 Hill
• 20 Henry
• 36 O'Neil
• 09 Austin
• 23 Hoilett (Jenas - 82' )
• 19 Kranjcar (Faurlin - 72' )

Substitutes

• 03 Traore
• 07 Phillips
• 16 Jenas
• 18 Chevantón
• 26 Murphy
• 28 Ehmer
• 32 Faurlin (Jenas - 86' )

Man of the Match

Again, much variety which is always healthy, with PK and Chris opting for Joey Barton and Connor picked out Richard Dunne. But after another faultless and full of heart display at the back, myself and Jenson went for Birthday Boy, Clint Hill, who takes this weeks vote on the Editors choice decision.

Away Day Pie Rating

Myself, Jenson and PK gave our expert views on the Chicken Balti, made by a company called the Pie Factory. Very similar in looks to the Pukka Pie, but with the pastry very flaky and not overly bursting with flavour, it got a respective vote of 7, 7 and 8, giving the Millwall pies a creditable 7.33/10

Well as always with Millwall, we were kept behind after the game for about 45 minutes, before being herded like cattle to the station. After not quite squeezing into the first train, we decided to take a bus to Victoria and made our way back from there. Different but effective as we managed to dodge the possible mayhem waiting for us at London Bridge.

I will return next week as Lee, Jess, Sam and Luke will return for a real top of the table clash with Burnley..

Come on you R'sssssss!!