QPR Suffer Ram Raid..

Derby 1-0 QPR

QPR failed to go back into the automatic promotion spots, in what was overall, a disappointing outing away at Derby, who in turn, close the gap on the leaders..

With Sky very kindly selecting us again, this time for a Monday night fixture, it was just myself and Jenson who decided to brave this one, but sadly, the journey up was dominated by concern for Jenson's home, of which area is now under high flood alert. Can only hope that all is ok there? The journey was an absolute breeze and after parking and using the Harvester for some refreshments, we made the shortish walk to the Stadium..

Onto the game and despite a relatively negative looking line up, the R's were keeping the ball well, but as the game wore on, Derby were attacking with much pace, which looked sadly lacking from the R's on the night.  The home side almost took the lead on the quarter hour in quite bizarre fashion, as Hill's clearance from a corner hit the onrushing, Buxton and forced a superb reflex save from Rob Green.

But sadly, on 20 minutes, the opening goal duly arrived from Derby in what caused much a debate - Clint Hill looked to be fouled by Chris Martin before conceding a corner - a corner of which was not met by the greatest of punched clearances from Green, falling into the path of Eustace who's header looped into the net, but it looked very much like Hill was impeded by Martin on the line before the ball dropped in. Now, after watching it back again, I would say it was a foul - however, I would be bloody fuming if the R's had had a goal chalked off for that. Both players had their eye on the ball and although O'Neil was impeded by Martin, it certainly was not the  intention like in the old days, to bundle the player over the line. I think if anything, the R's have a very good case about the awarded corner but hey, these things happen..

The goal certainly knocked the stuffing out of Rangers and Derby were well on top, but in saying this, the R's created the best chance and nearly brought the game level just before the break - O'Neil's cross was met by debutant, Aaron Hughes but his header was well saved by Lee Grant.

A few issues at my workplace meant I spent most of half time on the phone rather than catching up with people but was back in time for the second half of which Rangers had made some needed changes, with Maiga and Hoilett replacing Johnson and O'Neil respectively..

Although it was a much improved second half from the R's, we just couldn't manage to break down a very hard working Derby side who were determined to fight hard for their victory. Joey Barton tested the keeper from long range before Nico Kranjcar saw his near post headed cleared off the line. Junior Hoilett was becoming more and more of a threat and with 7 minutes to go, smashed an effort into the side netting which a good number of the travelling R's fans, thought had gone in, much to the amusement of the home support on the right. But despite 5 minutes of stoppage time, the R's just couldn't find their way through and Derby earned a huge three points!

Queens Park Rangers

• 01 Green
• 18 Hughes
• 39 Assou-Ekotto Booked
• 17 Barton Booked
• 05 Dunne Booked
• 06 Hill
• 36 O'Neil (Hoilett - 45' )
• 10 Carroll (Jenas - 79' )
• 08 Johnson (Maiga - 45' )
• 14 Doyle
• 19 Kranjcar Booked
• 
  

Substitutes

• 03 Traore
• 15 Onuoha
• 16 Jenas
• 20 Henry
• 23 Hoilett
• 26 Murphy
• 40 Maiga

Man of the Match

Myself and Jenson were both in agreement with our choices, but further text messages from Lee and Jess and no further nominations, confirmed a clean sweep tonight for our debutant at right back - Aaron Hughes

Away Day Pie Rating

Apologies for no Pie rating from ourselves this evening but after eating in the Harvester beforehand, myself and Jenson did not want to abuse our waistlines any further, leaving the expert analysis to my friend, Simon who rated his chicken and mushroom as an ok, 7/10

In summary, with the negative way Rangers lined up for this one, it was not the fact that Derby beat us, it was that QPR lost it. It was definitely a lets not be beaten line up which lacked pace and width for the first half. Yes, we improved greatly for the second half but overall, an inept first half display cost us dearly..

Lee will return next week as Rangers host Reading, again selected for TV Coverage on Sunday - Sky Sports, please leave us alone, thanks!

Come on you R'ssssssss!!