Post by Markqpr on Mar 7, 2010 11:31:01 GMT
I'm giving my-self my own thread for this for a change, mainly to receive feedback from you guys and not to get lost on the main match report page under the weight of all the other reports.
Please add your own thoughts as we love a discussion round here!
'I love it when a plan comes together...........!'
What a day. Recently going to watch QPR has been almost torture. Heading to the ground with all the hope in my heart quashed by the reality of our performances had become routine. Change was needed and now, by 'eck lad, we've got it.
The Warlock's first game in charge was always going to be highly charged as Rangers fans demonstrated their relief bought on by the end of Briatore's dictatorship. We'd already beaten Doncaster at home in the first game under the new era, but today we faced a top side in our division and were sitting perilously atop of the relegation places, a ten point deducted Palace only keeping us from 4th from bottom.
I went into the game, in all honesty, expecting the WBA midfield to totally over run ours and was praying that we kept the deficit down to two goals only.
My first surprise of the day was the team sheet. Priskin's inclusion baffled me as German sat on the bench and the sight of Ikelme in goal did very little to persuade me that today we had a chance. Seeing Buz on the bench and Taraabt starting also beguiled me as I thought The Warlock would have dispensed with him, affording him the time to look at real estate brochures in Spain.
Our line up at the start was also of concern to me with Hogan on the left, Taraabt on the right and Priskin and Simpson down the middle, Legs and Faurlin in the middle of the park and Connoly, Gorrks, Stewart and HIll lining up in defence respectively from right to left.
From kick off we looked a much better, more disciplined side from the off and immediately took the game to WBA. Legs and Faurlin didn't let the WBA side settle and were immense in closing down the WBA midfield quckly and not giving them the time to settle on the ball. That set the tempo for the whole game.
Going forward we looked like we could get the ball in and around the WBA box quickly and effectively but the final ball was lacking to begin with against a strong and well disciplined defence.
Our first goal had a lot of luck about it, as after Taraabt produced a great cross from the right across the goal, Carson dived on it only to spill it into the path of Hogie who got a touch to it in the melee and it popped up nicely for Simpson to tuck it in the corner.
It was the early goal I was craving for. Immediately the crowd upped it's volume and massive smiles were spread across our faces, for a change.
The second goal was fantastic. Unfortunately the TV highlights last night only showed the final thru ball from Faurlin to Connoly in acres of space inside the WBA box, before he cooly took a touch and slotted it under the onrushing Carson, but hopefully the extended highlights will show how Hill won the ball around our half-way line, then a combination of slick passing involving Taraabt popping up on the left before finding Faurlin in the middle who picked out Connoly with a great pass. A superb goal.
The Warlock did make one tactical change before the 2nd goal, cleverly swapping Priskin and Taraabt over as the WBA #21 was prolific in the midfield and causing us problems as he freely got the ball and ran at our midfield beating most tackles with ease and laying off great passes. By moving Taraabt into the middle it stifled him somewhat as now he had more defending to do as Taraabt was having an amazing game only being pipped by Ikelme as easily the most improved player since The Warlock's arrival.
WBA were still coming at us and the defense was pulled apart quite easily at times in the first half, the commitment was definately there but staying in position and not getting sucked in towards the ball are still massive failings by our full backs. Today it was more Connolly's turn to drift inside in support of winning the ball in the midfield a fact laid bare by the time and space afforded to them on their goal. A massive gap opened up on our right side which was exploited by a crossfield pass to their left winger who had time to pick out their 6'6" striker with a pin point cross and considering he was being marked by Hill at 5'6" who had wandered towards the ball it was an easy header for him which he took with relish planting it firmly beyond Ikelme's reach.
In the second half Rangers continued in the same vein. Pressing WBA when we didn't have the ball and then looking to create passing moves when we did. The galvinisation of our team by The Warlock was extremely impressive. All game he prowled the touch line, shouting at the players, backed up by a silver haired Keith Curle shooting looks of pure anger at any player who happened to look his way!
Somehow the team kept going for the full game, even though Simpson was clearly knackered after 80 mins. and Priskin after 65 mins. (he is still not 100% match fit) but we never looked like surrendering our lead and with the crowd in great voice we patiently waited for the third goal to seal the game.
After a few substitutions which at the time I thought were interesting to say the least and not ones I would have made (for me Buz for Priskin looked more likely not Taraabt) we got the third goal with a huge slice of luck and more terrible goalkeeping from Carson whose position on the free kick was shocking.
WBA continued to come at us but our defence at times was nothing short of heroic, with players throwing themselves in front of the WBA stikers, at one moment both Stewart and Gorrks together, frustrating the WBA strike force and effectively nullifying them in the 2nd half.
Overall it was a great match and sweet relief from the last 3 months. The Warlock has had that new manager effect and now it's down to Tuesday night to see if he can carry the players confidence and produce another battling, committed display which bought a very well deserved 3 points.
Ikelme: Not the same keeper from the last month. Pulled off two marvelous saves, one diving high to his left to turn it round for a corner when it looked a goal and then rushing off his line to take the ball from the feet of the onrushing striker with such confidence and speed that there was only going to be one outcome, a great save. Definately the most improved player on the park for us, only struggled when he had to kick into the wind in the second half like any keeper would have. The Warlock got the best out of him today and considering the difference between this performance and others by him, he get's the MOTM trophy as his first great save preserved our lead and therefore our confidence whith which we went on and won the game.
Hill: Struggled to compete in the air with their 6'6" striker! Overall played well and linked up with the midfield nicely, though still gets beaten to often down the left for my liking and I suspect The Warlock will look at that pretty immediately.
Stewart and Gorkks: Made some great tackles in and around our box, got back quickly every time and at times were heroic with their blocks, literally throwing themselves to the floor to block shots on our goal. Kept it simple with their distribution and like everyone else kept going for the whole game, exemplifying the team performance of the day. Both very good. Gorrks in flashes sometimes brilliant in the tackle.
Connolly: Going forward was very good, his distribution at times great and overall in defence alright. He kept going forward and with an unfit Priskin on the wing not tracking back and occupying the space vacated was caught out of position a few times but got back on enough occasions to get in a block or a tackle. Overall a very good game but probably would improve to an even better player if he had a winger who could track back for him and give him less work to do but he handled it well enough and reminded me why he has been one of the best purchases of recent times.
Legs: Ran eveyrwhere, marshalled the team effectively and had a good game. Was the fulcrum for the team and played his part well. Overall provided the foundation for our impressive performance.
Faurlin: Did everything. Tackled, covered back, always showed for the ball and made good use of it when he had it. Another typically impressive game though hopefully he won't stand out so much in the future as those around him match their performance to his. Still POTY and I don't see that changing.
Priskin: For the first 20 mins. was very good. Received the ball out wide and always laid it off to one of ours, like he did to Taraabt for our first goal, but faded when moved into the middle and by the end of the game was really struggling with his fitness. A much improved performance from Peterborough but it does make me wonder with two fully fit strikers in the squad on loan elsewhere might it be best to recall Helguson at least instead of Priskin who was to knackered to compete once past the 75th minute. He played well at the start, he had a decent game, but come the end of the season we might need that little bit extra that is missing in his tank for now.
Taraabt: Mate! What can I say? Fantastic improvement. Amazing effort and a superb team performance. Passed the ball around and never gave up. Well disciplined in his approach to the game and head and shoulders ability wise above all else on the pitch. Would have got MOTM but for Ikelme on improvement alone.
Hogie: A decent game. Some nice link up play with those around him and a commited performance, but was not so good defensively and needs to work on his positional defensive play. Needs to put more crosses in and beat more defenders down the line. Hopefully with some stability in the club now, will realise his potential under the guidance of The Warlock. I hope we keep him, but he might be a bit to lightweight for The Warlock. I expect him to live in the gym this summer and come out a lot tougher as he has the skill, just needs more strength for his defensive play.
Simpson: A great performance. Ran him-self into the ground by the 80th minute such was his work rate and missed a great chance one on one with the keeper, the only part of his game where he lacks the composure needed, late on. I forget how young he is though and have only one thing to say about him at the moment: SIGN HIM UP! PLEASE!
Subs: Buz played well and of course scored a freak goal thanks to Carson's position on the free kick, Ramage came on and was, well Ramage!
So in all The Warlock's first game in charge was everything we could have hoped for and the fact it came against very good opponents is more reason to savour it. For me the next challenge is to carry this performance thru until the end of the season, not do our regular thing of raising our game to better teams and then playing badly against clubs in the lower part of the table. If any manager though, apart from Martin Oneil, can keep us going and instill some confidence and therefore consistancy in the squad then it's The Warlock.
I'm betting that he can.
Please add your own thoughts as we love a discussion round here!
'I love it when a plan comes together...........!'
What a day. Recently going to watch QPR has been almost torture. Heading to the ground with all the hope in my heart quashed by the reality of our performances had become routine. Change was needed and now, by 'eck lad, we've got it.
The Warlock's first game in charge was always going to be highly charged as Rangers fans demonstrated their relief bought on by the end of Briatore's dictatorship. We'd already beaten Doncaster at home in the first game under the new era, but today we faced a top side in our division and were sitting perilously atop of the relegation places, a ten point deducted Palace only keeping us from 4th from bottom.
I went into the game, in all honesty, expecting the WBA midfield to totally over run ours and was praying that we kept the deficit down to two goals only.
My first surprise of the day was the team sheet. Priskin's inclusion baffled me as German sat on the bench and the sight of Ikelme in goal did very little to persuade me that today we had a chance. Seeing Buz on the bench and Taraabt starting also beguiled me as I thought The Warlock would have dispensed with him, affording him the time to look at real estate brochures in Spain.
Our line up at the start was also of concern to me with Hogan on the left, Taraabt on the right and Priskin and Simpson down the middle, Legs and Faurlin in the middle of the park and Connoly, Gorrks, Stewart and HIll lining up in defence respectively from right to left.
From kick off we looked a much better, more disciplined side from the off and immediately took the game to WBA. Legs and Faurlin didn't let the WBA side settle and were immense in closing down the WBA midfield quckly and not giving them the time to settle on the ball. That set the tempo for the whole game.
Going forward we looked like we could get the ball in and around the WBA box quickly and effectively but the final ball was lacking to begin with against a strong and well disciplined defence.
Our first goal had a lot of luck about it, as after Taraabt produced a great cross from the right across the goal, Carson dived on it only to spill it into the path of Hogie who got a touch to it in the melee and it popped up nicely for Simpson to tuck it in the corner.
It was the early goal I was craving for. Immediately the crowd upped it's volume and massive smiles were spread across our faces, for a change.
The second goal was fantastic. Unfortunately the TV highlights last night only showed the final thru ball from Faurlin to Connoly in acres of space inside the WBA box, before he cooly took a touch and slotted it under the onrushing Carson, but hopefully the extended highlights will show how Hill won the ball around our half-way line, then a combination of slick passing involving Taraabt popping up on the left before finding Faurlin in the middle who picked out Connoly with a great pass. A superb goal.
The Warlock did make one tactical change before the 2nd goal, cleverly swapping Priskin and Taraabt over as the WBA #21 was prolific in the midfield and causing us problems as he freely got the ball and ran at our midfield beating most tackles with ease and laying off great passes. By moving Taraabt into the middle it stifled him somewhat as now he had more defending to do as Taraabt was having an amazing game only being pipped by Ikelme as easily the most improved player since The Warlock's arrival.
WBA were still coming at us and the defense was pulled apart quite easily at times in the first half, the commitment was definately there but staying in position and not getting sucked in towards the ball are still massive failings by our full backs. Today it was more Connolly's turn to drift inside in support of winning the ball in the midfield a fact laid bare by the time and space afforded to them on their goal. A massive gap opened up on our right side which was exploited by a crossfield pass to their left winger who had time to pick out their 6'6" striker with a pin point cross and considering he was being marked by Hill at 5'6" who had wandered towards the ball it was an easy header for him which he took with relish planting it firmly beyond Ikelme's reach.
In the second half Rangers continued in the same vein. Pressing WBA when we didn't have the ball and then looking to create passing moves when we did. The galvinisation of our team by The Warlock was extremely impressive. All game he prowled the touch line, shouting at the players, backed up by a silver haired Keith Curle shooting looks of pure anger at any player who happened to look his way!
Somehow the team kept going for the full game, even though Simpson was clearly knackered after 80 mins. and Priskin after 65 mins. (he is still not 100% match fit) but we never looked like surrendering our lead and with the crowd in great voice we patiently waited for the third goal to seal the game.
After a few substitutions which at the time I thought were interesting to say the least and not ones I would have made (for me Buz for Priskin looked more likely not Taraabt) we got the third goal with a huge slice of luck and more terrible goalkeeping from Carson whose position on the free kick was shocking.
WBA continued to come at us but our defence at times was nothing short of heroic, with players throwing themselves in front of the WBA stikers, at one moment both Stewart and Gorrks together, frustrating the WBA strike force and effectively nullifying them in the 2nd half.
Overall it was a great match and sweet relief from the last 3 months. The Warlock has had that new manager effect and now it's down to Tuesday night to see if he can carry the players confidence and produce another battling, committed display which bought a very well deserved 3 points.
Ikelme: Not the same keeper from the last month. Pulled off two marvelous saves, one diving high to his left to turn it round for a corner when it looked a goal and then rushing off his line to take the ball from the feet of the onrushing striker with such confidence and speed that there was only going to be one outcome, a great save. Definately the most improved player on the park for us, only struggled when he had to kick into the wind in the second half like any keeper would have. The Warlock got the best out of him today and considering the difference between this performance and others by him, he get's the MOTM trophy as his first great save preserved our lead and therefore our confidence whith which we went on and won the game.
Hill: Struggled to compete in the air with their 6'6" striker! Overall played well and linked up with the midfield nicely, though still gets beaten to often down the left for my liking and I suspect The Warlock will look at that pretty immediately.
Stewart and Gorkks: Made some great tackles in and around our box, got back quickly every time and at times were heroic with their blocks, literally throwing themselves to the floor to block shots on our goal. Kept it simple with their distribution and like everyone else kept going for the whole game, exemplifying the team performance of the day. Both very good. Gorrks in flashes sometimes brilliant in the tackle.
Connolly: Going forward was very good, his distribution at times great and overall in defence alright. He kept going forward and with an unfit Priskin on the wing not tracking back and occupying the space vacated was caught out of position a few times but got back on enough occasions to get in a block or a tackle. Overall a very good game but probably would improve to an even better player if he had a winger who could track back for him and give him less work to do but he handled it well enough and reminded me why he has been one of the best purchases of recent times.
Legs: Ran eveyrwhere, marshalled the team effectively and had a good game. Was the fulcrum for the team and played his part well. Overall provided the foundation for our impressive performance.
Faurlin: Did everything. Tackled, covered back, always showed for the ball and made good use of it when he had it. Another typically impressive game though hopefully he won't stand out so much in the future as those around him match their performance to his. Still POTY and I don't see that changing.
Priskin: For the first 20 mins. was very good. Received the ball out wide and always laid it off to one of ours, like he did to Taraabt for our first goal, but faded when moved into the middle and by the end of the game was really struggling with his fitness. A much improved performance from Peterborough but it does make me wonder with two fully fit strikers in the squad on loan elsewhere might it be best to recall Helguson at least instead of Priskin who was to knackered to compete once past the 75th minute. He played well at the start, he had a decent game, but come the end of the season we might need that little bit extra that is missing in his tank for now.
Taraabt: Mate! What can I say? Fantastic improvement. Amazing effort and a superb team performance. Passed the ball around and never gave up. Well disciplined in his approach to the game and head and shoulders ability wise above all else on the pitch. Would have got MOTM but for Ikelme on improvement alone.
Hogie: A decent game. Some nice link up play with those around him and a commited performance, but was not so good defensively and needs to work on his positional defensive play. Needs to put more crosses in and beat more defenders down the line. Hopefully with some stability in the club now, will realise his potential under the guidance of The Warlock. I hope we keep him, but he might be a bit to lightweight for The Warlock. I expect him to live in the gym this summer and come out a lot tougher as he has the skill, just needs more strength for his defensive play.
Simpson: A great performance. Ran him-self into the ground by the 80th minute such was his work rate and missed a great chance one on one with the keeper, the only part of his game where he lacks the composure needed, late on. I forget how young he is though and have only one thing to say about him at the moment: SIGN HIM UP! PLEASE!
Subs: Buz played well and of course scored a freak goal thanks to Carson's position on the free kick, Ramage came on and was, well Ramage!
So in all The Warlock's first game in charge was everything we could have hoped for and the fact it came against very good opponents is more reason to savour it. For me the next challenge is to carry this performance thru until the end of the season, not do our regular thing of raising our game to better teams and then playing badly against clubs in the lower part of the table. If any manager though, apart from Martin Oneil, can keep us going and instill some confidence and therefore consistancy in the squad then it's The Warlock.
I'm betting that he can.
Great save though. The block at the feet was awesome. Can improve in many ways (or maybe he personally cannt, who knows).
