Post by harlowranger on Dec 18, 2011 19:36:28 GMT
BUMP...!
[Macmoish Edit: QPR vs Sunderland Score Predictions at qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=28318 ]
QPR welcome Sunderland AFC
On Wednesday evening we host Sunderland at Loftus Road !
A midweek game !
Thats something we have not been to familiar with this season .
It was a regular occurrence in the Championship but you rarely have a midweek game in the top flight .
I suppose if honest maybe most QPR supporters would rather Steve Bruce was still in charge and leading his team out rather than their new appointment in Martin O'Neil .
Sunderland have managed to land a very high profile Manager and now this fixture is possibly going to be tougher than we hoped , not that there is ever an easy game in this League.
Our last meeting was on the 14th April 2007 when we lost 2-1 away from home and our last home game was 28th November 2006 which again resulted in a 2-1 defeat .
We have never met in the Premiership before although we have played each other in the top flight over the years .
Just the one FA Cup meeting in 1957 when Sunderland thrashed us 4-0 !
Previous Results
English League Championship
14.04.2007
Sunderland...2-1...Queens Park Rangers
28.11.2006
Queens Park Rangers...1-2...Sunderland
02.04.2005
Queens Park Rangers...1-3...Sunderland
14.08.2004
Sunderland...2-2...Queens Park Rangers
English Division One
09.01.1999
Queens Park Rangers...2-2...Sunderland
08.08.1998
Sunderland...1-0...Queens Park Rangers
10.04.1998
Sunderland...2-2...Queens Park Rangers
06.12.1997
Queens Park Rangers...0-1...Sunderland
English Division One (old)
06.04.1991
Sunderland...0-1...Queens Park Rangers
29.12.1990
Queens Park Rangers...3-2...Sunderland
23.02.1985
Queens Park Rangers...1-0...Sunderland
03.11.1984
Sunderland...3-0...Queens Park Rangers
07.03.1984
Sunderland...1-0...Queens Park Rangers
17.09.1983
Queens Park Rangers...3-0...Sunderland
English Division Two (old)
01.03.1980
Queens Park Rangers...0-0...Sunderland
20.10.1979
Sunderland...3-0...Queens Park Rangers
English Division One (old)
02.04.1977
Sunderland...1-0...Queens Park Rangers
23.10.1976
Queens Park Rangers...2-0...Sunderland
English Division Two (old)
09.05.1973
Sunderland...0-3...Queens Park Rangers
21.10.1972
Queens Park Rangers...3-2...Sunderland
22.04.1972
Sunderland...0-1...Queens Park Rangers
04.12.1971
Queens Park Rangers...2-1...Sunderland
06.02.1971
Queens Park Rangers...2-0...Sunderland
05.12.1970
Sunderland...3-1...Queens Park Rangers
English Division One (old)
07.04.1969
Sunderland...0-0...Queens Park Rangers
20.08.1968
Queens Park Rangers...2-2...Sunderland
English FA Cup
05.01.1957
r3...Sunderland...4-0...Queens Park Rangers
League Meetings
26 League Meetings(13 Seasons)
QPR wins = 10 , including 3 wins at Sunderland
Sunderland wins = 10 , including 3 wins at Loftus Road.
Draws 6
QPR goals 33 .
Sunderland goals 33 .
Pretty even with 10 wins each , 3 wins away each and 6 draws !
Last meeting at Loftus Road
28th November 2006 – Championship
QPR 1 Sunderland 2
A late salvo from the R's proved in vain, as Sunderland clinched a 2-1 victory at Loftus Road.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, substitute Ray Jones gave Rangers hope with just over a quarter of an hour to play, but the R's came up just short, against a Sunderland side surely destined for the play-off's.
A controversial Daryl Murphy goal and a stoppage time second from Grant Leadbitter put Sunderland in control at the break.
Murphy appeared to be yards offside when he headed home Ross Wallace's speculative shot from inside the six-yard box on 17 minutes, yet despite vocal appeals from players and fans alike, the Irishman's goal stood - and rightly so after assessing the TV replays.
Dexter Blackstock had a goal chalked out for offside a minute later, when TV replays later showed he was in line with the last Sunderland defender.
Yet in truth Sunderland were good value for their lead and when Leadbitter made it two on the stroke of half time, Rangers could have few complaints.
The R's created chances of their own, with the returning Kevin Gallen going closest when he headed inches wide on 34 minutes, but Sunderland were by far the better side, with Graham Kavanagh orchestrating proceedings from the middle of the park.
Rangers improved after the break and when Jones fired home Nicky Ward's extraordinary reverse pass, the home faithful sensed yet another comeback as on the cards.
But it wasn't to be for the hosts - despite the late introduction of fans favourite Paul Furlong and a last gasp Nicky Ward drive.
R's gaffer John Gregory was boosted by the news that Dexter Blackstock's cheek injury wasn't as bad as first feared - and the former Southampton man partnered Gallen in attack.
Martin Rowlands also returned to the R's starting XI, at the expense of Stefan Bailey, while the back four remain unchanged.
Sunderland started brightly, with Murphy seeing his snap shot blocked to safety inside the opening five minutes.
It really was all one-way traffic and when Leadbitter escaped the attentions of his marker to coast clean through on goal just 60 seconds later, Rangers were indebted to Simon Royce for keeping them on terms, as the keeper's outstretched leg diverted the ball wide.
Rangers were soon on the front foot themselves though, with Nicky Ward's half volley forcing Darren Ward into a fine save, after the ball had taken a heavy deflection on route to goal.
The R's were all at sea at the back, but thankfully for the hosts, Murphy appeared to have left his shooting boots in the North East.
After evading the last line of the Rangers defence with ease in the tenth minute, the Sunderland front-man's lob landed the wrong side of the post, despite premature celebrations from the Black Cats faithful at the School End.
Undeterred, that man Murphy made amends on 17 minutes, although it was not without controversy.
There appeared to be little danger when Wallace slammed the ball back into the danger zone from a half cleared corner, only for Murphy to pop up and head past Royce at the far post. It looked to all and sundry like the Mackems striker was in an offside position, but the goal - albeit after referee Uriah Rennie gave his assistant a long, hard glare - stood.
And as if to rub salt into the Rangers wounds 60 seconds later, the assistant at the other end raised his flag to rule out Blackstock's glancing header from a Cook free-kick.
Blackstock went close again on 27 minutes, firing over after a neat exchange with strike partner Gallen, but it was Sunderland who continued to dominate, with Republic of Ireland international Kavanagh pulling the strings from middle of the park.
Rangers fans were on their feet on 34 minutes, but Gallen's downward header from a Jimmy Smith corner fell agonisingly wide of Ward's near post.
It was Sunderland who finished the half in the ascendancy though, with Murphy forcing Royce into another full length save, this time with a dipping 20-yard volley.
Royce stood no chance 30 seconds later though, as the roaming Leadbitter coasted through unmarked, rounded the advancing Royce and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Cook - clearly feeling the effects of a bruising 90 minutes against Coventry on Saturday - made way for Ray Jones at half-time, with Gallen dropping into midfield.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane made a change of his own ten minutes later, with Liam Miller making way for former Wigan Athletic striker David Connolly.
In a carbon copy run to the one which led to his goal in the first half stoppage time, Leadbitter coasted through the R's defence again on 61 minutes, but this time the finish was lacking, as his half volley flew wide of Royce's left hand post.
Michael Mancienne attempted to spark Rangers into life 20 minutes from time, but he got his shot horribly wrong, firing into the upper tier of the Loft from fully 30-yards.
Undeterred, the lifeline Rangers craved arrived on 73 minutes and it was that man Jones who enhanced his reputation as the Championship's super-sub with a stunning finish.
A free-flowing passing move involving Rowlands, Gallen and Marcus Bignot culminated in a unbelievable reverse pass from Ward, which the R's teenager took in his stride before cooly firing home on the turn from 12-yards.
Sensing the R's could get something from the contest, Gregory introduced fans favourite Furlong late on, with the hardworking Blackstock making way.
Sunderland should have put the result beyond all doubt a minute later though, only for the unmarked Wallace to screw his shot wide with the goal gaping.
Bignot fired a left footed strike high and wide in the first added minute, before Wallace squandered yet another golden opportunity at the other end.
Rangers kept plugging away as the close ticked down, yet despite a spell of late pressure, Sunderland could and should have made it three, only for Connolly to fire onto the base of the post with Royce well beaten.
There was still time for Ward to bag a point for the R's in the dying stages, but Ward held on to his fizzing drive, as Roy Keane's men deservedly stretched their unbeaten run to four Championship matches.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ward, Gallen, Rowlands, Cook (Jones 46), Stewart, Blackstock (Furlong 81), Smith, Mancienne.
Subs: Cole, Bailey, Nygaard.
Goals: Jones 73
Bookings: Jones 86
Sunderland: Ward, Caldwell, S Elliott, Murphy, Nosworthy, Collins, Leadbitter (Whitehead 62), Varga, Kavanagh, Wallace, Miller (Connolly 56).
Subs: Fulop, Hysen, R Elliott.
Goals: Murphy 17, Leadbitter 45
Bookings: Wallace 18
Referee: U Rennie
Attendance: 13, 108
Gregory admits: It could have been a landslide
JOHN GREGORY sent a sheepish QPR representative to tell the press that he had a headache and wouldn't be available for interview last night.
When the messenger was asked to go away and find someone else to comment on events at Loftus Road, the manager found a miracle cure to his migraine and arrived to deliver an honest assessment of a game that Sunderland could have won by a landslide."I'm disappointed we lost, but Sunderland should have won by more than they did," accepted Gregory.
"We got a goal back, but I look at the chances they had and they should have battered us completely.
"They defended very well and at the end we were not good enough to win the game."
Rangers top scorer Dexter Blackstock had a goal ruled out for offside in a game that saw home fans claiming the flag should have gone up for both of Sunderland's goals.
But Gregory, whose side's five game unbeaten run had ended at home to Coventry on Saturday, said: "I've seen replays and they might be marginal but I've no complaints.
"It would be clutching at straws looking to blame the linesman or referee.
"Sunderland are an experienced side. They have a lot of players who have just come out of the Premiership.
"Graham Kavanagh controlled the game showed his knowledge, experience and ability.
"We gave it our best shot, but we weren't good enough.
"My lads have climbed mountains to get where we are. In the 12 months I have been here we have only had a couple of poor performances – these last two games."
Gregory admits his club may be punished after missiles were thrown at assistant referee Mark Scholes.
Play was held up in the first-half while extra stewards were sent to one corner of the ground as home fans complained that Scholes should have flagged Daryl Murphy offside for his opener.
Gregory said: "We don't want to see that kind of thing creeping back into the game.
"Being honest, the referee (Uriah Rennie) should include it in his match report. There were a couple of bottles came over.
"Fans will want to vent their fury at someone if they feel a decision is wrong, but we could do without this sort of thing completely and we could be punished for it as a club.
"I thought the best thing Uriah Rennie could have done was get on with the game instead of having quite a bit of drama waiting for stewards, but that doesn't excuse what happened."
Classic Encounters
Game 1
29th December 1990 - Division One(old)
QPR 3 Sunderland 2
Game 2 - Sorry no Report .
17th September 1983 – Division One(old)
QPR 3 Sunderland 0
Game 3 - Again no report
21st October 1972 - Division Two (old)
QPR 3 Sunderland 2
Game 4
23rd October 1976 - Division One (old)
QPR 2 Sunderland 0 - McLintock and Bowles score.
Other Reports
15 th August 2004 – Championship
Sunderland 2, QPR 2
It was QPR boss Ian Holloway who famously starred in the BBC show The Stress Test recently.
But many more Sunderland performances like this and it will be Mick McCarthy who is looking for ways to bring his stress levels down.
McCarthy revealed last week that his old mate Dario Gradi told him after this clash with Crewe that he'd give himself a heart attack if he keeps up his current animated touchline antics.
And the Black Cats boss must have been suffering from soaring blood pressure yesterday as he watched the Wearsiders do their best to snatch defeat from a game they dominated virtually from start to finish.
In the end it took a last-minute goal from centrehalf Steve Caldwell to earn Sunderland a point and maintained their unbeaten home record this season - and the Scot's strike was at least testament to the Black Cats never-say-die spirit.
But bitter experience last season taught McCarthy that dropping points at home to is recipe for disaster where promotion prospects are concerned.
When Rangers boss Holloway enjoyed his 15 minutes of TV fame he was sent to see an anger management specialist - and doubtless some of Mick McCarthy's men must have wished their manager had done the same when they got back into the home dressing-room last night.
Because a combination of squandered chances at one end and some decidedly sloppy defending at the other meant McCarthy was far from a happy chappy.
He knows better than anyone that the inconsistencies shown in yesterday's performance ultimately cost Sunderland promotion last term.
Certainly he'll have had words with Steve Caldwell who was caught out by Paul Furlong for Rangers' first goal - while McCarthy will have been far from happy with the way Sunderland were collectively caught napping as Rowlands rapped in Rangers second.
While the amount of chances Sunderland squandered in between will doubtless add further urgency to his so far fruitless summer-long search for an experienced striker.
Having got their first win of the Coca Cola Championship campaign under their belts in midweek, the Black Cats were desperate to follow it up with another victory in front of their own fans.
Sunderland skipper Gary Breen has passed a late fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury last week, while Kevin Kyle again shrugged off a hip injury to lead the line for McCarthy's men.
And the Wearsiders enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges, playing some neat passing football as the Black Cats boss urged his side on in characteristically animated fashion.
For all their possession though, Sunderland - as all too often last term - lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
The best chance they carved out came when Liam Lawrence cleverly pulled the ball back into Jeff Whitley's path deep in the visitors' penalty area.
But Whitley wanted the luxury of a touch before shooting, and a good chance went begging with the ball getting caught under his feet before he lost possession.
Rangers showed no such reticence as they broke out of defence - and striker Paul Furlong gave Sunderland a lesson in the art of finishing on 11 minutes.
First Furlong outwitted centrehalf Caldwell then, with Gallen's diagonal run distracting Sunderland's defence, he raced through to send an unstoppable shot screaming past Thomas Myhre into the top corner of the net.
Ian Holloway's men seemed happy to sit back after that, hoping to soak up everything McCarthy's men could throw at them - and for a while Rangers rode their luck.
Kyle headed an Oster corner just wide of the post as Sunderland began to find some momentum - and Robinson rifled a shot straight at keeper Day from a short Oster free-kick.
Oster was involved in pretty much everything positive about the Black Cats play, and it was no surprise when it was the Welshman who finally unlocked Rangers' resolute rearguard.
He clipped a precise pass into the path of Marcus Stewart, whose tidy first touch bought him the split second he needed to look up and calmly lift the ball over Rangers keeper Day and in.
The visitors almost forged in front again on 37 minutes, when Sunderland somehow survived a frenetic goalmouth scramble.
Then, at the other end, Stewart should have put McCarthy's men in front five minutes before the interval but spurned a great chance carved out by some decent Sunderland approach play.
The game was somehow all square at the interval, but few around the concourse bars would have bet on it staying that way.
On balance of play, few would have predicted the next goal would be scored by QPR though.
Sunderland piled on the pressure from the first whistle of the second half, and within minutes both Lawrence and Oster had gone close to giving Sunderland the lead.
First Lawrence lashed in a left-foot shot which looked on its way in before being blocked by a Rangers body - and Oster followed up but his effort just cleared the crossbar.
Stewart then turned provider, setting up Julio Arca for a low left-foot strike which Day saved well at the foot of the post.
As the decibel levels inside the Stadium of Light soared, Kevin Kyle scuffed a half- chance straight at the Rangers keeper.
And then a deflection from QPR defender Padula sent the ball looping towards the net, but Day back-pedalled brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar.
It seemed only a matter of time before Sunderland scored, but Rangers stunned the home supporters by taking the lead against the run of play in the 70th minute.
Furlong collected a punt out of defence and cleverly freed Rowlands with an astute pass.
Rowlands raced to the edge of the area with Sunderland's rearguard looking distinctly pedestrian before rifling the ball past the helpless Myhre and into the roof of the net.
Rangers could have had another when a Lynch slip up let in Ainsworth who forced a fine save from Myhre.
Then a Padula corner found Rose totally unmarked at the far post, but he could only head agonisingly wide.
Sunderland piled on the pressure as the crowd became increasingly anxious - and just when it looked like it would be too little, too late, Sean Thornton's corner set up a dramatic last-minute leveller.
Thornton whipped a cracking ball in and Caldwell made amends for his first-half defensive slip as he powered in a header which was too hot for Day to handle, and ended up in the back of the Rangers net.
STEVE CALDWELL'S last-minute leveller sent saves of sheer relief around the Stadium of Light and ensured Sunderland's endeavours at least earned them a point.
KEVIN KYLE played through the pain barrier again, leading the line for Sunderland in his usual all-action style.
GINO PADULA'S hair-stylist - the QPR leftback was sporting one of the most ridiculous styles seen at the Stadium of Light for some time.
SUNDERLAND left it late - but more than deserved their share of the spoils after dominating for long periods.
10 th April 1998 - Division One
Sunderland 2 QPR 2
On what must be the coldest I have ever been at a football match Rangers earned a great point, with a determined and spirited fight back.
Sunderland spurred on by around 39,000 fanatical fans scored their fist goal within seconds of Kevin Gallens missed header and their second immediately after Perez's save from Mike Sherons point blank volley. Quinn should of made it 3-0 before Sherons unforgetable late late show.
Away from the match my admiration for those R's fans who travelled north in appauling conditions and then travelled straight back to London after the match. Something close to a 20 hour round trip - a draw was the least those fans deserved.
For my part I was staying with relatives in Northumberland and was probably at home by the fire before the coaches left the ground. I have to confess to very few away trips these days, but those who travel to away games on a regular basis (particulary with some of the poor performences this year) have my sincere admiration.
Saturday 8th August 1998 - Division One.
Sunderland 1 QPR 0
Rangers were unlucky to not come away with a point form the 'Stadium of Light' as a dubious refereeing decision gave Sunderland the game. A much improved defense kept most of the home team's efforts on goal to long range shots and Lee Harper mopped up everything that came at him.
Playing Gallen alone up front with breaking support from Peacock, Murray and particularly Scully, Rangers kept 10 men behind the ball whenever Sunderland had the ball and looked much more comfortable in this role than last season.
The goal came in the 75th minute when a high ball into the area was claimed by Harper who was then clattered by Quinn. The referee allowed play to continue and Ball attempted to poke the loose ball home causing Barrowclough to handle and get sent of for his pains.
Phillips scored from the spot. In an attempt to get something from the match Slade came on for Yates a few minutes later and a more attacking approach was employed but to no avail.
Despite another loss in the first match, this was a display that gave some hope for the rest of the campaign, bearing in mind Sunderland are seen as promotion certainties by the bookies. And we made lots of noise!
QPR (5-4-1 later 4-4-2): Harper, Heinola, Barrowclough, Yates (Slade 80), Ready, Maddix, Murray, Peacock, Rowland, Gallen, Scully SUBS (not used): Kulcsar, Rose.
Players that played for both Clubs !
(4 - 5 game sequence of their Clubs they played for)
1)Manu > Sunderland >QPR > Hibernian >Perth Glory?Liam Miller
2)West Ham > Sunderland >QPR ?Anton Ferdinand
3)Woking > Chelsea > QPR ? (Coached Sunderland )
4)Chelsea > Sunderland > QPR > Fulham >Brighton HA ?Clive Walker
5)Bolton > Everton > QPR > Man City > Southampton ? (Sunderland Manager)Peter Reid
6)Derby County > QPR > Burnley > Swansea > Sunderland ?
7)QPR > Sampdoria > Sunderland > WBA > Millwall ?Danny Dichio
8)Everton > Sunderland > Stockport > Walsall > Rushden & D > Port Vale > QPR?
9)Sunderland > QPR ?Richard Ord
10)QPR > Norwich > Rangers > Sheffield Weds > Colarado Rapids > Sunderland?Chris Woods
11)Sunderland > Newcastle > Middlesbrough ?(QPR Manager)
12)Watford > Sunderland > Derby > Watford > Portsmouth >QPR ?Tommy Smith
13)Tottenham > Sunderland > Tottenham > Blackburn >QPR ?
14)Lincoln > Newcastle > Bristol C > Birmingham > Luton ? (QPR Caretaker)
15)York > QPR > Le Havre > Brighton H A > Sunderland ?John Byrne
16)Lincoln > Sunderland > QPR > Notts County ?
17)Aston Villa > Sunderland > Watford > QPR > Boston ?
(think he played for both teams , not 100% sure but was signed by both)
18)QPR > Brentford > Wolves > Sunderland > Southend Utd ?
George Goddard
[Macmoish Edit: QPR vs Sunderland Score Predictions at qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=28318 ]
QPR welcome Sunderland AFC
On Wednesday evening we host Sunderland at Loftus Road !
A midweek game !
Thats something we have not been to familiar with this season .
It was a regular occurrence in the Championship but you rarely have a midweek game in the top flight .
I suppose if honest maybe most QPR supporters would rather Steve Bruce was still in charge and leading his team out rather than their new appointment in Martin O'Neil .
Sunderland have managed to land a very high profile Manager and now this fixture is possibly going to be tougher than we hoped , not that there is ever an easy game in this League.
Our last meeting was on the 14th April 2007 when we lost 2-1 away from home and our last home game was 28th November 2006 which again resulted in a 2-1 defeat .
We have never met in the Premiership before although we have played each other in the top flight over the years .
Just the one FA Cup meeting in 1957 when Sunderland thrashed us 4-0 !
Previous Results
English League Championship
14.04.2007
Sunderland...2-1...Queens Park Rangers
28.11.2006
Queens Park Rangers...1-2...Sunderland
02.04.2005
Queens Park Rangers...1-3...Sunderland
14.08.2004
Sunderland...2-2...Queens Park Rangers
English Division One
09.01.1999
Queens Park Rangers...2-2...Sunderland
08.08.1998
Sunderland...1-0...Queens Park Rangers
10.04.1998
Sunderland...2-2...Queens Park Rangers
06.12.1997
Queens Park Rangers...0-1...Sunderland
English Division One (old)
06.04.1991
Sunderland...0-1...Queens Park Rangers
29.12.1990
Queens Park Rangers...3-2...Sunderland
23.02.1985
Queens Park Rangers...1-0...Sunderland
03.11.1984
Sunderland...3-0...Queens Park Rangers
07.03.1984
Sunderland...1-0...Queens Park Rangers
17.09.1983
Queens Park Rangers...3-0...Sunderland
English Division Two (old)
01.03.1980
Queens Park Rangers...0-0...Sunderland
20.10.1979
Sunderland...3-0...Queens Park Rangers
English Division One (old)
02.04.1977
Sunderland...1-0...Queens Park Rangers
23.10.1976
Queens Park Rangers...2-0...Sunderland
English Division Two (old)
09.05.1973
Sunderland...0-3...Queens Park Rangers
21.10.1972
Queens Park Rangers...3-2...Sunderland
22.04.1972
Sunderland...0-1...Queens Park Rangers
04.12.1971
Queens Park Rangers...2-1...Sunderland
06.02.1971
Queens Park Rangers...2-0...Sunderland
05.12.1970
Sunderland...3-1...Queens Park Rangers
English Division One (old)
07.04.1969
Sunderland...0-0...Queens Park Rangers
20.08.1968
Queens Park Rangers...2-2...Sunderland
English FA Cup
05.01.1957
r3...Sunderland...4-0...Queens Park Rangers
League Meetings
26 League Meetings(13 Seasons)
QPR wins = 10 , including 3 wins at Sunderland
Sunderland wins = 10 , including 3 wins at Loftus Road.
Draws 6
QPR goals 33 .
Sunderland goals 33 .
Pretty even with 10 wins each , 3 wins away each and 6 draws !
Last meeting at Loftus Road
28th November 2006 – Championship
QPR 1 Sunderland 2
A late salvo from the R's proved in vain, as Sunderland clinched a 2-1 victory at Loftus Road.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, substitute Ray Jones gave Rangers hope with just over a quarter of an hour to play, but the R's came up just short, against a Sunderland side surely destined for the play-off's.
A controversial Daryl Murphy goal and a stoppage time second from Grant Leadbitter put Sunderland in control at the break.
Murphy appeared to be yards offside when he headed home Ross Wallace's speculative shot from inside the six-yard box on 17 minutes, yet despite vocal appeals from players and fans alike, the Irishman's goal stood - and rightly so after assessing the TV replays.
Dexter Blackstock had a goal chalked out for offside a minute later, when TV replays later showed he was in line with the last Sunderland defender.
Yet in truth Sunderland were good value for their lead and when Leadbitter made it two on the stroke of half time, Rangers could have few complaints.
The R's created chances of their own, with the returning Kevin Gallen going closest when he headed inches wide on 34 minutes, but Sunderland were by far the better side, with Graham Kavanagh orchestrating proceedings from the middle of the park.
Rangers improved after the break and when Jones fired home Nicky Ward's extraordinary reverse pass, the home faithful sensed yet another comeback as on the cards.
But it wasn't to be for the hosts - despite the late introduction of fans favourite Paul Furlong and a last gasp Nicky Ward drive.
R's gaffer John Gregory was boosted by the news that Dexter Blackstock's cheek injury wasn't as bad as first feared - and the former Southampton man partnered Gallen in attack.
Martin Rowlands also returned to the R's starting XI, at the expense of Stefan Bailey, while the back four remain unchanged.
Sunderland started brightly, with Murphy seeing his snap shot blocked to safety inside the opening five minutes.
It really was all one-way traffic and when Leadbitter escaped the attentions of his marker to coast clean through on goal just 60 seconds later, Rangers were indebted to Simon Royce for keeping them on terms, as the keeper's outstretched leg diverted the ball wide.
Rangers were soon on the front foot themselves though, with Nicky Ward's half volley forcing Darren Ward into a fine save, after the ball had taken a heavy deflection on route to goal.
The R's were all at sea at the back, but thankfully for the hosts, Murphy appeared to have left his shooting boots in the North East.
After evading the last line of the Rangers defence with ease in the tenth minute, the Sunderland front-man's lob landed the wrong side of the post, despite premature celebrations from the Black Cats faithful at the School End.
Undeterred, that man Murphy made amends on 17 minutes, although it was not without controversy.
There appeared to be little danger when Wallace slammed the ball back into the danger zone from a half cleared corner, only for Murphy to pop up and head past Royce at the far post. It looked to all and sundry like the Mackems striker was in an offside position, but the goal - albeit after referee Uriah Rennie gave his assistant a long, hard glare - stood.
And as if to rub salt into the Rangers wounds 60 seconds later, the assistant at the other end raised his flag to rule out Blackstock's glancing header from a Cook free-kick.
Blackstock went close again on 27 minutes, firing over after a neat exchange with strike partner Gallen, but it was Sunderland who continued to dominate, with Republic of Ireland international Kavanagh pulling the strings from middle of the park.
Rangers fans were on their feet on 34 minutes, but Gallen's downward header from a Jimmy Smith corner fell agonisingly wide of Ward's near post.
It was Sunderland who finished the half in the ascendancy though, with Murphy forcing Royce into another full length save, this time with a dipping 20-yard volley.
Royce stood no chance 30 seconds later though, as the roaming Leadbitter coasted through unmarked, rounded the advancing Royce and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Cook - clearly feeling the effects of a bruising 90 minutes against Coventry on Saturday - made way for Ray Jones at half-time, with Gallen dropping into midfield.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane made a change of his own ten minutes later, with Liam Miller making way for former Wigan Athletic striker David Connolly.
In a carbon copy run to the one which led to his goal in the first half stoppage time, Leadbitter coasted through the R's defence again on 61 minutes, but this time the finish was lacking, as his half volley flew wide of Royce's left hand post.
Michael Mancienne attempted to spark Rangers into life 20 minutes from time, but he got his shot horribly wrong, firing into the upper tier of the Loft from fully 30-yards.
Undeterred, the lifeline Rangers craved arrived on 73 minutes and it was that man Jones who enhanced his reputation as the Championship's super-sub with a stunning finish.
A free-flowing passing move involving Rowlands, Gallen and Marcus Bignot culminated in a unbelievable reverse pass from Ward, which the R's teenager took in his stride before cooly firing home on the turn from 12-yards.
Sensing the R's could get something from the contest, Gregory introduced fans favourite Furlong late on, with the hardworking Blackstock making way.
Sunderland should have put the result beyond all doubt a minute later though, only for the unmarked Wallace to screw his shot wide with the goal gaping.
Bignot fired a left footed strike high and wide in the first added minute, before Wallace squandered yet another golden opportunity at the other end.
Rangers kept plugging away as the close ticked down, yet despite a spell of late pressure, Sunderland could and should have made it three, only for Connolly to fire onto the base of the post with Royce well beaten.
There was still time for Ward to bag a point for the R's in the dying stages, but Ward held on to his fizzing drive, as Roy Keane's men deservedly stretched their unbeaten run to four Championship matches.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ward, Gallen, Rowlands, Cook (Jones 46), Stewart, Blackstock (Furlong 81), Smith, Mancienne.
Subs: Cole, Bailey, Nygaard.
Goals: Jones 73
Bookings: Jones 86
Sunderland: Ward, Caldwell, S Elliott, Murphy, Nosworthy, Collins, Leadbitter (Whitehead 62), Varga, Kavanagh, Wallace, Miller (Connolly 56).
Subs: Fulop, Hysen, R Elliott.
Goals: Murphy 17, Leadbitter 45
Bookings: Wallace 18
Referee: U Rennie
Attendance: 13, 108
Gregory admits: It could have been a landslide
JOHN GREGORY sent a sheepish QPR representative to tell the press that he had a headache and wouldn't be available for interview last night.
When the messenger was asked to go away and find someone else to comment on events at Loftus Road, the manager found a miracle cure to his migraine and arrived to deliver an honest assessment of a game that Sunderland could have won by a landslide."I'm disappointed we lost, but Sunderland should have won by more than they did," accepted Gregory.
"We got a goal back, but I look at the chances they had and they should have battered us completely.
"They defended very well and at the end we were not good enough to win the game."
Rangers top scorer Dexter Blackstock had a goal ruled out for offside in a game that saw home fans claiming the flag should have gone up for both of Sunderland's goals.
But Gregory, whose side's five game unbeaten run had ended at home to Coventry on Saturday, said: "I've seen replays and they might be marginal but I've no complaints.
"It would be clutching at straws looking to blame the linesman or referee.
"Sunderland are an experienced side. They have a lot of players who have just come out of the Premiership.
"Graham Kavanagh controlled the game showed his knowledge, experience and ability.
"We gave it our best shot, but we weren't good enough.
"My lads have climbed mountains to get where we are. In the 12 months I have been here we have only had a couple of poor performances – these last two games."
Gregory admits his club may be punished after missiles were thrown at assistant referee Mark Scholes.
Play was held up in the first-half while extra stewards were sent to one corner of the ground as home fans complained that Scholes should have flagged Daryl Murphy offside for his opener.
Gregory said: "We don't want to see that kind of thing creeping back into the game.
"Being honest, the referee (Uriah Rennie) should include it in his match report. There were a couple of bottles came over.
"Fans will want to vent their fury at someone if they feel a decision is wrong, but we could do without this sort of thing completely and we could be punished for it as a club.
"I thought the best thing Uriah Rennie could have done was get on with the game instead of having quite a bit of drama waiting for stewards, but that doesn't excuse what happened."
Classic Encounters
Game 1
29th December 1990 - Division One(old)
QPR 3 Sunderland 2
Game 2 - Sorry no Report .
17th September 1983 – Division One(old)
QPR 3 Sunderland 0
Game 3 - Again no report
21st October 1972 - Division Two (old)
QPR 3 Sunderland 2
Game 4
23rd October 1976 - Division One (old)
QPR 2 Sunderland 0 - McLintock and Bowles score.
Other Reports
15 th August 2004 – Championship
Sunderland 2, QPR 2
It was QPR boss Ian Holloway who famously starred in the BBC show The Stress Test recently.
But many more Sunderland performances like this and it will be Mick McCarthy who is looking for ways to bring his stress levels down.
McCarthy revealed last week that his old mate Dario Gradi told him after this clash with Crewe that he'd give himself a heart attack if he keeps up his current animated touchline antics.
And the Black Cats boss must have been suffering from soaring blood pressure yesterday as he watched the Wearsiders do their best to snatch defeat from a game they dominated virtually from start to finish.
In the end it took a last-minute goal from centrehalf Steve Caldwell to earn Sunderland a point and maintained their unbeaten home record this season - and the Scot's strike was at least testament to the Black Cats never-say-die spirit.
But bitter experience last season taught McCarthy that dropping points at home to is recipe for disaster where promotion prospects are concerned.
When Rangers boss Holloway enjoyed his 15 minutes of TV fame he was sent to see an anger management specialist - and doubtless some of Mick McCarthy's men must have wished their manager had done the same when they got back into the home dressing-room last night.
Because a combination of squandered chances at one end and some decidedly sloppy defending at the other meant McCarthy was far from a happy chappy.
He knows better than anyone that the inconsistencies shown in yesterday's performance ultimately cost Sunderland promotion last term.
Certainly he'll have had words with Steve Caldwell who was caught out by Paul Furlong for Rangers' first goal - while McCarthy will have been far from happy with the way Sunderland were collectively caught napping as Rowlands rapped in Rangers second.
While the amount of chances Sunderland squandered in between will doubtless add further urgency to his so far fruitless summer-long search for an experienced striker.
Having got their first win of the Coca Cola Championship campaign under their belts in midweek, the Black Cats were desperate to follow it up with another victory in front of their own fans.
Sunderland skipper Gary Breen has passed a late fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury last week, while Kevin Kyle again shrugged off a hip injury to lead the line for McCarthy's men.
And the Wearsiders enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges, playing some neat passing football as the Black Cats boss urged his side on in characteristically animated fashion.
For all their possession though, Sunderland - as all too often last term - lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
The best chance they carved out came when Liam Lawrence cleverly pulled the ball back into Jeff Whitley's path deep in the visitors' penalty area.
But Whitley wanted the luxury of a touch before shooting, and a good chance went begging with the ball getting caught under his feet before he lost possession.
Rangers showed no such reticence as they broke out of defence - and striker Paul Furlong gave Sunderland a lesson in the art of finishing on 11 minutes.
First Furlong outwitted centrehalf Caldwell then, with Gallen's diagonal run distracting Sunderland's defence, he raced through to send an unstoppable shot screaming past Thomas Myhre into the top corner of the net.
Ian Holloway's men seemed happy to sit back after that, hoping to soak up everything McCarthy's men could throw at them - and for a while Rangers rode their luck.
Kyle headed an Oster corner just wide of the post as Sunderland began to find some momentum - and Robinson rifled a shot straight at keeper Day from a short Oster free-kick.
Oster was involved in pretty much everything positive about the Black Cats play, and it was no surprise when it was the Welshman who finally unlocked Rangers' resolute rearguard.
He clipped a precise pass into the path of Marcus Stewart, whose tidy first touch bought him the split second he needed to look up and calmly lift the ball over Rangers keeper Day and in.
The visitors almost forged in front again on 37 minutes, when Sunderland somehow survived a frenetic goalmouth scramble.
Then, at the other end, Stewart should have put McCarthy's men in front five minutes before the interval but spurned a great chance carved out by some decent Sunderland approach play.
The game was somehow all square at the interval, but few around the concourse bars would have bet on it staying that way.
On balance of play, few would have predicted the next goal would be scored by QPR though.
Sunderland piled on the pressure from the first whistle of the second half, and within minutes both Lawrence and Oster had gone close to giving Sunderland the lead.
First Lawrence lashed in a left-foot shot which looked on its way in before being blocked by a Rangers body - and Oster followed up but his effort just cleared the crossbar.
Stewart then turned provider, setting up Julio Arca for a low left-foot strike which Day saved well at the foot of the post.
As the decibel levels inside the Stadium of Light soared, Kevin Kyle scuffed a half- chance straight at the Rangers keeper.
And then a deflection from QPR defender Padula sent the ball looping towards the net, but Day back-pedalled brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar.
It seemed only a matter of time before Sunderland scored, but Rangers stunned the home supporters by taking the lead against the run of play in the 70th minute.
Furlong collected a punt out of defence and cleverly freed Rowlands with an astute pass.
Rowlands raced to the edge of the area with Sunderland's rearguard looking distinctly pedestrian before rifling the ball past the helpless Myhre and into the roof of the net.
Rangers could have had another when a Lynch slip up let in Ainsworth who forced a fine save from Myhre.
Then a Padula corner found Rose totally unmarked at the far post, but he could only head agonisingly wide.
Sunderland piled on the pressure as the crowd became increasingly anxious - and just when it looked like it would be too little, too late, Sean Thornton's corner set up a dramatic last-minute leveller.
Thornton whipped a cracking ball in and Caldwell made amends for his first-half defensive slip as he powered in a header which was too hot for Day to handle, and ended up in the back of the Rangers net.
STEVE CALDWELL'S last-minute leveller sent saves of sheer relief around the Stadium of Light and ensured Sunderland's endeavours at least earned them a point.
KEVIN KYLE played through the pain barrier again, leading the line for Sunderland in his usual all-action style.
GINO PADULA'S hair-stylist - the QPR leftback was sporting one of the most ridiculous styles seen at the Stadium of Light for some time.
SUNDERLAND left it late - but more than deserved their share of the spoils after dominating for long periods.
10 th April 1998 - Division One
Sunderland 2 QPR 2
On what must be the coldest I have ever been at a football match Rangers earned a great point, with a determined and spirited fight back.
Sunderland spurred on by around 39,000 fanatical fans scored their fist goal within seconds of Kevin Gallens missed header and their second immediately after Perez's save from Mike Sherons point blank volley. Quinn should of made it 3-0 before Sherons unforgetable late late show.
Away from the match my admiration for those R's fans who travelled north in appauling conditions and then travelled straight back to London after the match. Something close to a 20 hour round trip - a draw was the least those fans deserved.
For my part I was staying with relatives in Northumberland and was probably at home by the fire before the coaches left the ground. I have to confess to very few away trips these days, but those who travel to away games on a regular basis (particulary with some of the poor performences this year) have my sincere admiration.
Saturday 8th August 1998 - Division One.
Sunderland 1 QPR 0
Rangers were unlucky to not come away with a point form the 'Stadium of Light' as a dubious refereeing decision gave Sunderland the game. A much improved defense kept most of the home team's efforts on goal to long range shots and Lee Harper mopped up everything that came at him.
Playing Gallen alone up front with breaking support from Peacock, Murray and particularly Scully, Rangers kept 10 men behind the ball whenever Sunderland had the ball and looked much more comfortable in this role than last season.
The goal came in the 75th minute when a high ball into the area was claimed by Harper who was then clattered by Quinn. The referee allowed play to continue and Ball attempted to poke the loose ball home causing Barrowclough to handle and get sent of for his pains.
Phillips scored from the spot. In an attempt to get something from the match Slade came on for Yates a few minutes later and a more attacking approach was employed but to no avail.
Despite another loss in the first match, this was a display that gave some hope for the rest of the campaign, bearing in mind Sunderland are seen as promotion certainties by the bookies. And we made lots of noise!
QPR (5-4-1 later 4-4-2): Harper, Heinola, Barrowclough, Yates (Slade 80), Ready, Maddix, Murray, Peacock, Rowland, Gallen, Scully SUBS (not used): Kulcsar, Rose.
Players that played for both Clubs !
(4 - 5 game sequence of their Clubs they played for)
1)Manu > Sunderland >QPR > Hibernian >Perth Glory?Liam Miller
2)West Ham > Sunderland >QPR ?Anton Ferdinand
3)Woking > Chelsea > QPR ? (Coached Sunderland )
4)Chelsea > Sunderland > QPR > Fulham >Brighton HA ?Clive Walker
5)Bolton > Everton > QPR > Man City > Southampton ? (Sunderland Manager)Peter Reid
6)Derby County > QPR > Burnley > Swansea > Sunderland ?
7)QPR > Sampdoria > Sunderland > WBA > Millwall ?Danny Dichio
8)Everton > Sunderland > Stockport > Walsall > Rushden & D > Port Vale > QPR?
9)Sunderland > QPR ?Richard Ord
10)QPR > Norwich > Rangers > Sheffield Weds > Colarado Rapids > Sunderland?Chris Woods
11)Sunderland > Newcastle > Middlesbrough ?(QPR Manager)
12)Watford > Sunderland > Derby > Watford > Portsmouth >QPR ?Tommy Smith
13)Tottenham > Sunderland > Tottenham > Blackburn >QPR ?
14)Lincoln > Newcastle > Bristol C > Birmingham > Luton ? (QPR Caretaker)
15)York > QPR > Le Havre > Brighton H A > Sunderland ?John Byrne
16)Lincoln > Sunderland > QPR > Notts County ?
17)Aston Villa > Sunderland > Watford > QPR > Boston ?
(think he played for both teams , not 100% sure but was signed by both)
18)QPR > Brentford > Wolves > Sunderland > Southend Utd ?
George Goddard
Front row 
