Reading go for a Barton as R's Faurlin Love...

Reading 1-1 QPR

A superb late free kick from Joey Barton earned another valuable away point as Rangers drew 1-1 at Reading early yesterday afternoon. The goal celebration in tribute to injured, Ale Faurlin was as memorable as I've ever seen as an R's supporter.

With Sky selecting this one, it made it an early start still despite the game being reasonably local and I met up with Jenson at just after 10am. The 20 minute journey saw us at the ground in plenty of time for our pre match catch ups etc. PK had decided to give this one a miss and sadly, we didn't manage to catch up with Sam and Luke at all. Lee and Jess were also absent as Lee had sadly fallen ill the night before, wish you better mate!!! We were however joined by Zach and friend as we took our seats for the game, before respecting an impeccable minutes silence in honour of the fallen for Remembrance Sunday..

Onto the game and Rangers started like a train and in the first minute, Junior Hoilett struck the Reading cross bar with a tremendous 25 yard effort. From there it was typical that we found Reading keeper, McCarthy in superb form, denying Austin 3 times and later again from Hoilett as the R's laid siege to the Reading goal.

Reading slowly worked their way back into the game and Jordan Orbita was doing his one man Ashley Young impressions, throwing himself to the floor at every opportunity. But the referee was having none of it and rightly turned down his penalty appeal as he claimed to be held by Danny Simpson in the penalty area. Reading's best chance came to Chris Baird who's glancing header was pushed away by Rob Green.

McCarthy's first half heroics looked to have proved crucial and on 62 minutes, Reading took the lead - Baird fed McCleary who was not closed down quickly enough and he powered a 25-yard drive that smacked off the post and into the net, a great goal to be fair.

It could well have been two a while later when Ashley Young, sorry, Orbita was found on the left, but his low drive was somewhat fortunately kept out by the legs of Rob Green who appeared to have been wrong footed.

But Rangers kept pressing and now looking a much better attacking threat with Andy Johnson on the pitch and the latter linked up well with Austin who fired straight at the keeper. With about 12 minutes to go, AJ linked up well again with Austin but former Ranger, Kaspars Gorkss brought him down on the edge of the box..

As the Reading wall broke, Joey Barton curled his effort low into the right hand corner of the net. Although we didn't see it at the time due to excessive celebrations of our own, the goal celebration was a joy to behold - Barton ran to the dug out, followed by his team mates to collect Ale Faurlin's number 32 shirt and lift it aloft. Absolutely superb and yet more evidence of the superb team spirit that is at the Club this season!!

Andy Johnson went close late on with a superb turn and shot and if Phillips had looked up and seen Austin unmarked instead of trying his luck from a tight angle, it may well have been all three points we were bringing home...

Queens Park Rangers

• 01 Green
• 02 Simpson
• 39 Assou-Ekotto
• 36 O'Neil (Johnson - 66' )
• 05 Dunne (Onuoha - 45' )
• 06 Hill
• 07 Phillips
• 17 Barton
• 09 Austin
• 16 Jenas (Kranjcar - 31' )
• 23 Hoilett

Substitutes

• 03 Traore
• 08 Johnson
• 15 Onuoha
• 18 Chevantón
• 19 Kranjcar
• 20 Henry
• 26 Murphy

Man of the Match

No need for an editors choice this week as we almost have a clean sweep. Only Trevor and Lee have differed with votes for Assou - Ekotto and Charlie Austin respectively. But with votes from myself, Jenson, Sam, Luke, Jess,PK and this week, Zach, the award goes to another commanding performance in midfield and very nice goal to boot - Joey Barton

Away Day Pie Rating

A bit of a disappointment as all they had on offer with about 45 minutes before kick off, was a Curry Pie. Myself and Jenson took up the challenge. It was in general agreement that the pastry was somewhat soggy and the curry filling had too much pepper to try and bring out it's flavour. It was ok, nothing more, both 6/10 votes from both of us giving the Reading Pies a rating of, well, 6/10

In brief summary, although a point on the road is always good, I think on balance Rangers deserved this one. It seemed a game where we would look great one minute and then sit back the next. Reading appeared to be very direct and it certainly showed in the early stages as Rangers were pulling them apart. But there is no doubt in mine and everyone else's mind that we did look more of a dangerous attacking threat with both Andy Johnson and Charlie Austin on the field, who were linking up very nicely indeed. Something maybe for Harry to think about over the International Break..

Lee will return in a fortnight when we hope our superb home form continues against Charlton..

Come on You R'sssssssssss!!!!