R's Blow Blackpool Away...

Blackpool 0-2 QPR

QPR returned to the Top of the Championship after an excellent 2nd half performance brought home the points in a cold, wet and very windy, Blackpool this afternoon.

Following our nightmare trip to Burnley a few weeks back, it was decided that we would make an early start for this one and after all the pick ups etc, got on the M40 at 9.30 - myself, joining Jenson, PK and Trev with Lee, Jess and Luke not far behind. Unfortunately Sam was unable to join us today.  After a very brief stop, we swapped the sunshine from the south to the wind and rain up North and parked up in Blackpool at around 12.30.

From there we made the short walk to the highly recommended and excellent Old Bridge House Pub, where we were shortly joined by Lee, Jess, Luke and Zach and had a very enjoyable pre match, watching the amazing Man City v Arsenal game whilst I shared my renowned Fantasy Football tactical genius with the gang ;)

We made our way to the ground at about 2.30 where Trev decided to do some promotional work for part time actor, Jenson, who, whilst in the queue for tickets, pointed out very loudly that an Eastenders/Lucan//Holby City/Endeavour star was amongst the locals. He even took a photograph whilst saying things like - it is definitely him, that's him from Eastenders etc - it was very amusing to see the locals looking on with interest.

We grabbed a quick pie before taking our seats amongst a very healthy and vociferous R's away following as the conditions rapidly worsened - the conditions of which played a huge part in what was a very forgettable first half, I think all that were there will agree that the least said about that, the better - Rob Green pushed away Steve Davies' header, before Ferguson's free-kick caused havoc in the area until Craig Cathcart's effort was tipped over. But both sides were finding the conditions difficult and as said, the half was easily forgettable..

Rangers looked much more positive in the second half, especially with Niko Kranjcar on the field who replaced O'Neill on 54 minutes and Matt Phillips forced a decent stop from Gilks. At the other end, a low drive from Tom Ince brought a fine save from Rob Green to keep the scores level - but the score didn't remain that way for long and just past the hour, Rangers took the lead - Former Seasider, Matty Phillips struck from 25 yards and flew into the net following a slight deflection.

Phillips nearly made it two moments later but his low effort was pushed wide by Gilks in the Blackpool goal. The goal had completely changed the game and Rangers were looking dangerous every time they came forward. The game was made safe on 75 minutes following a lovely move - Simpson found the excellent Phillips on the right, who played a neat one-two with Tom Carroll before sending in a superb cross to find Charlie Austin who powered his header home from close range - it was now party time in the Rangers end..

Queens Park Rangers

• 01 Green
• 02 Simpson
• 39 Assou-Ekotto
• 17 Barton
• 05 Dunne
• 06 Hill (Onuoha - 45' )
• 36 O'Neil (Kranjcar - 54' )
• 10 Carroll
• 09 Austin
• 16 Jenas (Henry - 84' )
• 07 Phillips

Substitutes

• 03 Traore
• 15 Onuoha
• 18 Chevantón
• 19 Kranjcar
• 20 Henry
• 23 Hoilett
• 26 Murphy

Man of the Match

A two horse race this week with Trev, Lorna and PK picking out Assou-Ekotto for another masterclass at left back. But with a goal and assist against his former employers and with votes from myself, Jenson, Lee, Jess and Luke, this weeks award goes to Matty Phillips.

Awayday Pie Rating

expert analysis from myself, Lee and Jenson on the Steak - eaten quickly with the temperature not being overly hot, but tasty enough albeit very small, myself and Jenson awarded an 8 each with Lee, who is enhancing his reputation as the Simon Cowell of pie judging, awarding a 7.

A further 7 was awarded by PK for his Chicken and Ham, also sampled by Trevor who thoroughly enjoyed and awarded7.7 the highest mark of the day with 8.5.

Giving the Blackpool pies a very creditable - 7.7/10

In summary, the second half performance easily wiped away the memories of the first and a great time was had by all in which has been my favourite away day so far this season. A good away win that takes you back to the top of the league, well that's hard to beat. The journey home, despite dreadful conditions was also a breeze and saw us back in Wycombe by 8pm.

Much later, we were all thrilled to see that we made a brief appearance on the Football League Show, we are all in the pic, some partially covered, but no mistaking Trev, who wasn't actually celebrating the goal, but the news filtering in from Goodison that Lukaku had got an assist for his Fantasy Team :)) Great work from Lee for the photo... Just in this pic alone, are more away fans that Fulham took to Everton and it has to be said, with free travel offered!!!

Lee will return next week to review the televised top of the table clash with Leicester and seeing as this is my last report before so, may I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!

Come on you R'sssssssssssssssss!!