Goal Shy Rangers Surrender at the Amex..

Brighton 2-0 QPR

QPR's fast fading promotion hopes were dealt another blow as Brighton ran out 2-0 winners at the Amex Stadium Last night..

As expected, with it a new ground for everyone,there was almost a full gang contingent for this one, with only PK missing out again due to work commitments. Sam and Luke joined myself and Jenson for the trip whilst Lee and Jess travelled in from Caterham. We left Maidenhead at just after 3 and despite the good old M25 trying it's best to slow us down, we were in Brighton at 5.15 and met Jenson's friends in a superb pub called the Cricketers in the Town Centre. Highly recommended!! With it being my Birthday last weekend, Jenson pulled out a late surprise as the friends we were meeting, we were also joining for some Corporate Hospitality!

So from the excellent pub, we were whisked off in a people carrier to the very impressive Amex Stadium of which we briefly bumped into Lee and Jess before heading into the BMW lounge. A pint and a very nice pie were consumed before we took our seats and if Tony Fernandes needs any further ideas about the planned new QPR Stadium, I suggest he gives this place a visit!! Absolutely superb!!

It was far too late to start writing this on arrival home last night or should I say, this morning, but the good thing about writing the next day is that by now, most of the reports have been read and does our loyal and superb audience really want to sit through another? But what I will say about the game in it's entirety is that had we had a striker, we would have won, it's that simple.

The chances were aplenty in the first half, Jenas curled the ball wide in the early stages, Traore tested Kuszczak in the Brighton goal, as did Hoilett and Morrison from long range, the latter bringing a superb save from the Polish Keeper. At the other end, Brighton's only real chance fell to Ulloa who shot wide of the near post.

Coffee and a very welcome brandy awaited us at half time and warmed us up nicely for the second half, perhaps a bit too much for Jenson who's condition was deteriorating rapidly as man flu was kicking in..

The second half continued in the same vain as the first with Hoilett testing the keeper again at his near post, Onuoha later saw his close range effort charged down by Upson. Traore forced another fine save from the Brighton stopper and Hoilett tried his luck again, this time firing just wide. All the home side could muster was a long range effort from Lingard which was comfortably saved by Green.

Then on 77 minutes, disaster struck as Assou-Ekotto was caught napping, allowing Saltor to get past him before firing across goal for the oncoming Ulloa for the easiest of tap ins. The acoustics in the Stadium were definitely evident now as the home fans erupted!!

Assou-Ekotto then did his normal, 'I've f*cked up so I will cry injury' routine and he was replaced by Maiga. At this point, the Barton hating Gentleman on my left seemed concerned that we had another striker on the pitch, I told him there was no need for him to worry and sadly I was proved right - Morrison fired over a superb low ball from the left which evaded the keeper, saw Keane miss out and Maiga hesitate before drifting wide. I am sorry, but you are strikers, these are the sort of deliveries you should thrive on, so throw yourself at them, stick out a leg, anything apart from what you did last night and then have your head in your hands!

Keane then saw an close range effort easily saved and then Brighton made the game safe on 86 minutes. A corner was drifted in towards the 6 yard box and Ward arrived unmarked to poke the ball home with embarrassing ease.

Queens Park Rangers

• 01 Green
• 15 Onuoha
• 39 Assou-Ekotto (Maiga - 79' )
• 16 Jenas
• 05 Dunne
• 06 Hill
• 23 Hoilett
• 17 Barton
• 12 Keane
• 04 Morrison
• 03 Traore

Substitutes

• 18 Hughes
• 19 Kranjcar
• 20 Henry
• 26 Murphy
• 35 Benayoun
• 36 O'Neil
• 40 Maiga

Man of the Match - a clean sweep, nothing more to add - Ravel Morrison 

Away Day Pie Rating

This has to be a contender.. we were informed by Clive that Brighton actually make their pies on site so they are nice and fresh  - Myself and Jenson pulled out a faultless 10 each from our Steak and Ale served in the Corporate area. Steak and Ale was also the choice of Luke and Lee, giving an 8 and an 8.5 with comments such as - lovely , distinctive ale flavour, nice pastry and eaten with no fork with no spillages!! Sam opted for the cottage pie and also came in with a high 8.5 mark...

So the Brighton Pies rating is a very impressive - 9/10

In summary, and I have to refer and agree with Lee's rant on twitter last night after the match -

 a poor January transfer window saw us loan 4 strikers, only one of which up to scratch at this level and the other 3 not even suitable for our U21's! Game winners like Wickham and Graham were not even looked at for some unknown reason! At least we have a shining light in Ravel Morrison, however unless our "strikers" start delivering then we are in for a long end of season!

Again after mentioning the strikers I am drawn to the stats - QPR had 21 shots at goal, 8 on target and left with 0 - Brighton 3 attempts on target and 2 goals...

Nothing I can really add to that and it is there for all to see..I think the Birmingham game papered over the many cracks that still exist and I am personally not even that sure we will make the play off's now if I am brutally honest..

Lee will return at the weekend when Yeovil are the visitors to Loftus Road..

Until then, Come on you R'ssssssssss!!!