Match Report(s)

[londonranger]

ESPN


Morrison sinks Blues
PA Sport
Ravel Morrison struck a double as he returned to St Andrew's to haunt Birmingham and pave the way for QPR's first win in six games.

Morrison, who resurrected his career at Birmingham last season, scored from a splendid 14th-minute free-kick and netted an easy second in the 72nd minute to plunge his former club to their 12th successive home game without a win.

But Rangers, bankrolled to a staggering B£65.4million loss in their unsuccessful bid to retain Premier League status last term, made hard work of their return to winning form and may point to the need for a more ruthless streak despite the 2-0 scoreline.

Recent poor form has been a serious set-back to their promotion aspirations when they have lost ground to the two top Sky Bet Championship clubs, Leicester City and Burnley, to the consternation of their popular manager Harry Redknapp.

They were boosted by the return of the influential Joey Barton, and the London club took command very early in the proceedings and should have scored a more conclusive win.

Crisis club Birmingham - who this week saw owner Carson Yeung sentenced to six years in prison for money laundering by a court in Hong Kong - battled bravely and played with plenty of early attacking energy only to be thwarted by Rangers' experienced rearguard.

Rangers stamped their authority on the game in the 14th minute after Birmingham's skipper Paul Robinson conceded a needless free-kick on Kevin Doyle and earned the first booking of the match.

It was from the resultant set-piece that Morrison opened the Londoners' account with a high floated shot to the right of goalkeeper Darren Randolph's groping fingers for his first goal for the Championship side since his on-loan move from West Ham.

Birmingham's best chance of an equaliser came three minutes later and it was only a world-class save by Robert Green which enabled Rangers to maintain their advantage.

Emyr Huws, a young player of rich promise, powered in a free-kick which bounced high towards the top far corner of the net only for Green to tip the ball just over the bar.

Huws had another opportunity but he was far too casual and drifted wide instead of shooting from close range as Rangers surprisingly appeared suspect under pressure.

They were much happier on the attack and Clint Hill's header from Barton's 40th-minute free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar.

Over-elaborate play on the part of Rangers was the reason they were unable to increase their slender lead until the 72nd minute.

Jermaine Jenas made progress down the left and stroked a low ball into the middle where the lurking Morrison had ample time to side-foot home his second goal to seal a long overdue Rangers win.

RELATED TOPICS

Team: Birmingham
Team: Queens Park Rangers
Sport: English League Championship

[gramps]

Dare I say that our defence, whilst not perfect by any means, is looking a lot more solid than it has done in the past. Midfield not bad either but there is still that problem of a lack of sting at the front. OK, I know we have Charlie and he is a bit special but it really is fatal to have to rely so much on one man who is as good as his next injury - whoever that man may be! Matty? Ale? I was concerned to hear it said on the box that we were showing a lot of organisation in getting the ball as far as the Brum 18 yard box and then started passing it back rather than having a poke at goal. I would really like to see people having a go whenever they see even a chink of opportunity rather than chicken out in case they look silly. Seems to be something of a lack of confidence.

[Macmoish]

50+ Photos from Birmingham vs QPR
www.zimbio.com/pictures/uQNlWBwM5f5/Birmingham+City+v+Queens+Park+Rangers+Sky/browse

[alfaranger]

Mar 8, 2014 22:20:17 GMT gramps said:

Dare I say that our defence, whilst not perfect by any means, is looking a lot more solid than it has done in the past. Midfield not bad either but there is still that problem of a lack of sting at the front. OK, I know we have Charlie and he is a bit special but it really is fatal to have to rely so much on one man who is as good as his next injury - whoever that man may be! Matty? Ale? I was concerned to hear it said on the box that we were showing a lot of organisation in getting the ball as far as the Brum 18 yard box and then started passing it back rather than having a poke at goal. I would really like to see people having a go whenever they see even a chink of opportunity rather than chicken out in case they look silly. Seems to be something of a lack of confidence.

I agree with that Gramps, especially with the 'turning back at the 18 yd box'. This was evident against Leeds as well (and most others). I have been impressed with our opponents many times - get the ball and head for goal, trying to beat people on the way. McCormack for Leeds, Vokes and Ings for Burnley, Vardy and Nugent for Leicester, that cheating git Martin for Derby etc. Excitement and goal are the result.

[sharky]

Didn't watch the game, but did Joey's return help?

[gramps]

Mar 9, 2014 13:14:01 GMT sharky said:

Didn't watch the game, but did Joey's return help?

Can't answer that, Sharky. There is a lot I love about Barton. There is a lot I hate about Barton. But, love him or hate him he always seems to make a difference, more often than not in a positive manner.