Match Reports & Comments: QPR vs Accrington

[QPR Report]

QPR Official Site QPR vs Accrington 2 - 1 Attendance:
5,203 Referee:
Hogan Ephraim and Wayne Routledge continued their scoring runs in the Carling Cup against Accrington Stanley, as they put Rangers into round three.

Stanley, in all fairness, did pose some threat to the R's in the first half.

But Rangers were much the better after the break, with Ephraim's looping effort finding the goal in the 68th minute after a good spell of possession.

Routledge added a second in injury time, before Michael Symes netted a consolation for Accrington.

Rangers Gaffer Jim Magilton made no less than eight changes to the side that drew with Nottingham Forest at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

Only Peter Ramage, Damion Stewart and goalscorer at the weekend Mikele Leigertwood kept their places in the R's starting XI against League Two visitors Accrington Stanley.

Though the changes didn't mean that Rangers were short on quality, with the likes of Akos Buzsaky, Ephraim and Rowan Vine all involved in an attempt to put the hosts into round three.

In other team news, goalkeeper Tom Heaton made his first R's start following a three-month emergency loan move from Manchester United.

As the game kicked off under the beam of the Loftus Road floodlights, tributes were made to the late Ray Jones to mark the second anniversary of his tragic passing.

And it was Rangers who started the brighter, creating the game's first chance. After a long pass up to Ephraim, he played a cushioned ball into Vine, who cut in to beat one man before shooting straight at keeper Alan Martin in the Stanley goal.

Play then switched to the other end, as Stanley broke at pace and had the best opportunity of the tie to date to take the lead. After a neat pass found its way to Sean McConville down the right, he had the time and space to pick out Symes on the edge of the area.

The Accrington forward did all he could after that, unleashing a rasping shot at the bottom right-hand corner. Fortunately though for the R's, Heaton was more than equal to the effort to tip it wide.

The game wasn't exactly being played at a frantic pace, though chances were forthcoming. Soon after, good link-up play between Vine and Ephraim enabled the latter to cut in and shoot - though that effort went just wide of the Accrington goal.

Stanley, to their credit, were far from passengers in this second round tie and were doing a good job of frustrating Rangers. Heaton was forced into another save after a dangerous free-kick from Luke Joyce looked to be heading for the bottom right-hand corner, though the Red Devils loanee got down well to palm the ball to safety.

Moments later it was the visitors who again threatened to take the lead with arguably the best chance of the first period. After a fantastic long pass, Symes chested down fantastically before beating his full-back and shooting for goal, though that effort went just wide of Heaton's right-hand post.

Just before the break Rangers could have taken the lead when Vine was played through on goal down the left, though he could only blast his effort straight at Martin, who parried the ball out for a corner.

Rangers were far from the free-flowing footballing side that they had been in previous fixtures. Mindful of that, R's Manager Magilton made a double switch come half-time. Gary Borrowdale and Adel Taarabt replaced Kaspars Gorkss and Patrick Agyemang respectively for the hosts.

And they were changes that seemed to spring Rangers into life as soon after the interval, they nearly broke the deadlock.

After a superb centre from a corner by Buzsaky, the ball broke loose to Stewart from close range, who could only thunder the ball over the crossbar.

Buoyed by that chance the R's then went on the attack again, and when Buzsaky gave the ball to Taarabt in the middle of the park, he beat one man before shooting just wide from 25-yards out.

There could be no question that Rangers were now having the better of the possession. After a ball was played over to Ephraim on the left, he cut in before unleashing a fierce strike in at goal and it was a shot that had to be beaten away by Martin in the visitors' net.

The introduction of Taarabt was something that seemed to give the R's that little bit extra, and it was that man who played a part, as Rangers took a 68th minute lead.

Driving through the middle, Taarabt played a lovely, measured pass out wide to Peter Ramage. The right-back then crossed for Ephraim, who controlled well on the edge of the box before sending a looping effort home to put Rangers in front.

Not long after that, the R's were on the attack once again, and only a fine diving save from Martin - who pushed the ball away for a corner - could stop Vine from scoring after a clever through ball from Leigertwood.

In added time, Rangers put the tie beyond Stanley. After receiving the ball from a throw-in, Routledge cut in past two men before sending in a thunderous strike on the edge of the area that hit the underside of the crossbar and went in.

That scoreline may have been a little unjust on the visitors, so maybe it was deserved that Symes sent home a late consolation for Stanley.

Though that was all it was to be, as the R's put themselves into the hat for Saturday's Carling Cup third round draw.

QPR: Heaton, Ramage, Stewart, Mahon (Routledge 68), Leigertwood, Vine, Buzsaky, Agyemang (Taarabt 46), Gorkss (Borrowdale 46), Connolly, Ephraim.

Subs: Helguson, Pellicori, Balanta, Cerny.

Goals: Ephraim (68), Routledge (90).

Bookings: Ramage (28).

Accrington Stanley: Martin, Kempson, Procter, Miles, Joyce, Edwards, Ryan (Turner 81), Winnard, McConville (Grant 73), Symes, Murphy (Kee 73).

Subs: Richardson, Mullin, King, Dunbavin.

Goals: Symes (90).

Bookings: Ryan (38).

Referee: Mr C L Pawson.

Attendance: 5, 203.

www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~50717,00.html

[QPR Report]

QPR Official Site

GAFFER: 'NO WAY NEAR GOOD ENOUGH'

Jim Magilton failed to hide his disappointment with the R's first half display, despite seeing his side progress to the third round of the Carling Cup at the expense of an excellent Accrington Stanley side.

Goals from Hogan Ephraim and Wayne Routledge eventually handed Rangers a 2-1 victory, but the Hoops boss was far from impressed, commenting: "They came here with nothing to lose, but you can only commend them for a quite magnificent display.

"They totally outplayed us in the first half.

"The goal gave us a lift, but we couldn't have played any worse than we did in the first half.

"You can't defend that first half display. It's just not good enough and things need to improve very, very quickly."

Magilton added: "I expect far, far better from the lads.

"It was a real potential banana skin, but Accrington deserve credit - they were outstanding to a man.

"Unfortunately, we've got a certain few who believe they can just turn it on and off, but you can't in this game.

"You always need to show your opponents respect, but one or two of our lads were kidding themselves tonight with their performances.

"I'm going to shake the living daylights of them!"

www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1768738,00.html

[QPR Report]

Lancashire Telegraph

FULL TIME: QPR 2 Accrington Stanley 1
ACCRINGTON Stanley were left to rue missed first-half chances as they were knocked out of the Carling Cup at QPR tonight.

The Reds had the better of the first 45 minutes in the second round tie but eventually went down to goals from Hogan Ephraim and Wayne Routledge in the second half, with Michael Symes scoring a late consolation.

Symes - brought into the side for Paul Mullin - saw an early chance saved, although Alan Martin had to save Gavin Mahon’s free kick at the other end.

Jimmy Ryan came close with a free kick of his own for Stanley, with Rangers keeper Tom Heaton saving before Symes was offside from the rebound.

A fine Stanley move then should have seen them go ahead, but Symes fired wide from Ryan’s pass.

QPR almost scored when Martin saved from Rowan Vine, but the hosts were booed off at the interval before bringing on Adel Taarabt and Gary Borrowdale for the second half.

Akos Buzsaky put a shot wide just after the break, while QPR kept the pressure on and Damion Stewart turned the ball over the bar from close range when he should have scored.

Taarabt missed the target with a shot before Martin saved from Buzsaky and Mahon.

But the home side broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Peter Ramage put in a cross from the right and Ephraim volleyed past Martin.

Immediately afterwards the Stanley keeper had to save from Vine as QPR sought a second goal.

The Reds, though, did not give up on an equaliser and John Miles forced a good save from Heaton.

But QPR sealed their progression to the third round when Wayne Routledge slammed home off the underside of the bar in injury time.

Symes found the net on the turn in the dying seconds for Stanley but it was always going to be too late to rescue a result.

Stanley: Alan Martin, Peter Murphy (Billy Kee 73), Phil Edwards, Darran Kempson, Dean Winnard, Jimmy Ryan (Chris Turner 81), Luke Joyce, Andy Procter, John Miles, Sean McConville (Bobby Grant 73), Michael Symes.

Subs not used: Ian Dunbavin, Leam Richardson, Gary King, Paul Mullin.

QPR: Tom Heaton, Peter Ramage, Damion Stewart, Kaspars Gorkss (Gary Borrowdale 46), Matt Connolly, Rowan Vine, Gavin Mahon (Wayne Routledge 68), Mikele Leigertwood, Akos Buzsaky, Hogan Ephraim, Patrick Agyemang (Adel Taarabt 46).

Subs not used: Radek Cerny, Wayne Routledge, Angelo Balanta, Alessandro Pellicori, Heidar Helguson.

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire

Lancashire Telegraph
www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/4564707.FULL_TIME__QPR_2_Accrington_Stanley_1/

[QPR Report]

SPORTING LIFE

Goals from Hogan Ephraim and Wayne Routledge eased the pressure on QPR manager Jim Magilton as brave Accrington bowed out of the Carling Cup at the second-round stage.

Magilton, who took over the helm at Loftus Road in the summer, is already under fire with Rangers having failed to win a game in the Championship this season - and chairman Flavio Briatore is not renowned for his patience.

But after being given an almighty scare by their League Two opponents, Ephraim pounced for the winner in the 68th minute and Routledge made sure in the last minute to send the 1967 winners into the hat for the third-round draw on Saturday.

Michael Symes was a handful for QPR all night and he deservedly got a consolation goal for Stanley in stoppage time.

After QPR striker Patrick Agyemang blasted a shot over the crossbar, Accrington, who knocked Nottingham Forest out of the Carling Cup in 2006, nearly took a shock lead.

Symes unleashed a 25-yard effort which was saved by QPR goalkeeper Tom Heaton, on loan from Manchester United.

Heaton was called into action again in the 12th minute to deny Symes for a second time before Gavin Mahon's 18-yard shot was comfortably dealt with by Stanley stopper Alan Martin.

Symes was in the thick of the action again 12 minutes later. After he was up-ended by Mikele Leigertwood, James Ryan produced a decent attemt from 30 yards which Heaton parried.

QPR were struggling to handle Symes and he was on hand to fire another attempt at goal but could not find the target from 18 yards.

The home side responded and Rowan Vine's effort was parried away by Martin.

Magilton made a double substitution at the break as he targeted an improvement in the second half and within 65 seconds Akos Buzsaky blasted a shot wide before Damion Stewart put his effort over the bar from six yards.

QPR were starting to dominate and after Adel Taarabt was off-target, Buzsaky forced Martin into a smart save to deny him from 20 yards.

Stanley were coming under increasing pressure and Martin was called into action again to keep out Gavin Mahon's strike from range.

The home side finally broke Accrington's resistance in the 68th minute through Ephraim

Peter Ramage delivered the cross and Ephraim brought the ball down before producing a neat lob from 18 yards.

They nearly added to their lead moments later only for Martin to come out on top yet again to thwart Vine.

Stanley pressed for an equaliser and Billy Kee and Dean Winnard fired efforts off-target either side of John Miles being denied by Heaton before Routledge thumped home a second.

There was still time for Accrington to deservedly get a goal through the impressive Symes.

[Markqpr]

Magic is actually being kind.

That was unbeleivably poor.
Quite a few of our boys need to take a long look at themselves.

I actually feel sorry for Acrington Stanley who at the very least deserved their goal.
They could easily have been 2 up by half-time.

I'll do a more comprehensive report tomorrow (if you interested!)

Roll on Liverpool at home in the next round!

[Zamoraaaah]

Yup please do Mark.
I've been waiting up for 'just back's' from yourself and Eus.

[NO1QPRNZ]

THAT WOULD BE A JUICY ONE, BUT I THINK MAN UTD SO WE CAN GET REVENGE?

[QPR Report]

25 August 2009: - Ealing Gazette - QPR scrape through to next round
Aug 25 2009 By Paul Warburton

QPR 2-1 Accrington Stanley

CONVINCING it wasn’t – but at least QPR are into the third round after this narrow win.
And who knows? Maybe, by the next Carling Cup tie Hoops will have found the form that saw them take Aston Villa’s scalp at this stage last season.

Yeah, and pigs will take flight based on this barely acceptable performance.

A few more of these and the watching Flavio Briatore may wonder if he’s got the right manager – again.

Wayne Routledge added a coating of sugar to the pill for the 5,000 brave souls who ventured forth, when the winger thumped a second in off the crossbar during stoppage time.

But Stanley got the goal they deserved straight after when the hard working Michael Symes struck a low angled shot past debut keeper Tom Heaton to keep Rangers guessing right to the end.

And before him, Hogan Ephraim’s gentle lob deep into the second half broke the deadlock.

But better finishing and Stanley would have been out of sight after 25 minutes.

They started the better when Sean McConvillle sent Symes away on the left and in the clear for a second.

But his left-foot shot was parried by debut keeper Tom Heaton – and the chance was gone.

Just for a second it looked as if Rangers were willing to give the League Two outfit a head start when Damion Stewart lofted a dreadful back pass to Heaton that bounced in front of him, and saw McConville an inch away from whipping it off his toes.

Even then Heaton’s flailing boot looked to have caught the Stanley man, only for red-shirted penalty shouts to be waved aside.

But the team two divisions lower than Rangers wasted their best chance of three when Jimmy Ryan’s 25-yard curling free kick had Heaton down to his left to block – and then brilliantly parry Symes’s follow-up from point blank.

But the Accrington bus must have run over a black cat coming down the M6, because after the neatest piece of play of the half, a neat one-two between Ryan and Symes saw the latter fire just wide under pressure as he raced in on goal.

Rowan Vine picked up the habit of missing from close range – but at least it was at the Stanley end.

The Rangers forward was in on goal from the left but fired low to Alan Martin’s right to bring a decent save from the Stanley keeper.

Akos Buzsaky was a whisker from breaking the deadlock when he turned on a 10p to fire just wide of the low upright, and Stewart nearly made up for his earlier gaffe when he stole beyond the last defender to volley over.

Ephraim then got space to warm Martin’s gloves from distance – but it was only a sighter for the real thing on 68 minutes.

Sub Adel Tarrabt made time and space before sending the ball out to Ramage, who recycled it back to the centre for Ephraim to effect the gentlest of lobs over Martin and into the corner.

When Routledge added a second Rs thought they were home and dry. Far from it. Lowly Accrington made them sweat until the final whistle.

www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/2009/08/25/qpr-scrape-through-to-next-round-113489-24532213/

[QPR Report]

Belfast Telegraph


Magilton unhappy despite QPR win

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

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QPR 2 Accrington 1

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QPR manager Jim Magilton criticised playmaker Akos Buzsaky after his side stumbled into the third round of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 win at home to Accrington.


The Hungarian was among several Rangers players who struggled before Hogan Ephraim and Wayne Routledge scored to see off the League Two side, who pulled a goal back through Michael Symes.

Buzsaky and Rowan Vine recently returned from long-term injuries, and Magilton said: "We've got to give them time and we know they're very good players.

"Vine was better but 'Buz' gave the ball away cheaply. I wasn't happy about that.

"I know he's a crowd favourite, but we should pride ourselves on ball retention and there were times he gave it away under no pressure. To be honest, it was embarrassing."

The R's boss admitted: "We were outplayed in the first half and you have to commend Accrington. They showed some of our lads what enthusiasm is all about.

"The quality of our play, our ball retention - everything about us - was sloppy in the first half and I expect much more. We had international footballers giving the ball away cheaply."

Rangers improved after the interval and went ahead in the 68th minute.

Peter Ramage was released by Adel Taarabt and sent in a right-wing cross which Ephraim controlled nicely before steering his shot beyond keeper Alan Martin and into the corner of the net.

Rangers' lead was doubled in stoppage time, when Routledge cut in from the left-hand edge of the penalty area and scored with a blistering right-foot shot that bounced in off the underside of the bar.

There was still time for Accrington to net a consolation goal. Gary Borrowdale failed to clear Robert Grant's free-kick and Symes fired home from eight yards out.

Rangers were far from impressive, but Magilton dismissed suggestions their form has deteriorated since the season began.

He said: "I wouldn't get carried away and go in for mass hysteria with talk of deterioration. These games are always tricky and we were much better in the second half.

"Rome wasn't built in a day. We'll keep going and looking to build something here. The most important thing is that we're in the next round."

Accrington manager John Coleman praised his players but felt they failed to make the most of an opportunity to cause an upset.

"I'm proud of them, but the disappointing thing is that the two goals we conceded were avoidable," said Coleman.

"We switched off, and when you give a lad like Routledge a chance he will take it. To be fair to him, that was a fantastic strike.

"I do feel it was a chance lost. QPR were edgy. They've got good players and we didn't see the best of them tonight, but credit to our lads.

"When you play a team from a lower level, as much as you try to guard against complacency it is always there. We knew that and tried to take advantage."


Read more: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/magilton-unhappy-despite-qpr-win-14467949.html#ixzz0PF21neAK

[QPR Report]

Vital Football QPR Report

www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=167611

[QPR Report]

ESPNStar - Magilton slams playmaker Akos

- QPR manager Jim Magilton criticised playmaker Akos Buzsaky after his side stumbled into the third round of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 win at home to Accrington.
- The Hungarian was among several Rangers players who struggled before Hogan Ephraim and Wayne Routledge scored to see off the League Two side, who pulled a goal back through Michael Symes.

- Buzsaky and Rowan Vine recently returned from long-term injuries, and Magilton said: "We've got to give them time and we know they're very good players.
- "Vine was better but 'Buz' gave the ball away cheaply. I wasn't happy about that.
- "I know he's a crowd favourite, but we should pride ourselves on ball retention and there were times he gave it away under no pressure. To be honest, it was embarrassing."
- The R's boss admitted: "We were outplayed in the first half and you have to commend Accrington. They showed some of our lads what enthusiasm is all about.
- "The quality of our play, our ball retention - everything about us - was sloppy in the first half and I expect much more. We had international footballers giving the ball away cheaply."

- Rangers improved after the interval and went ahead in the 68th minute.
- Peter Ramage was released by Adel Taarabt and sent in a right-wing cross which Ephraim controlled nicely before steering his shot beyond keeper Alan Martin and into the corner of the net.
- Rangers' lead was doubled in stoppage time, when Routledge cut in from the left-hand edge of the penalty area and scored with a blistering right-foot shot that bounced in off the underside of the bar.
- There was still time for Accrington to net a consolation goal. Gary Borrowdale failed to clear Robert Grant's free-kick and Symes fired home from eight yards out.
- Rangers were far from impressive, but Magilton dismissed suggestions their form has deteriorated since the season began.

- He said: "I wouldn't get carried away and go in for mass hysteria with talk of deterioration. These games are always tricky and we were much better in the second half.
- "Rome wasn't built in a day. We'll keep going and looking to build something here. The most important thing is that we're in the next round."-

Accrington manager John Coleman praised his players but felt they failed to make the most of an opportunity to cause an upset.
- "I'm proud of them, but the disappointing thing is that the two goals we conceded were avoidable," said Coleman.
- "We switched off, and when you give a lad like Routledge a chance he will take it. To be fair to him, that was a fantastic strike.
- "I do feel it was a chance lost. QPR were edgy. They've got good players and we didn't see the best of them tonight, but credit to our lads.- "When you play a team from a lower level, as much as you try to guard against complacency it is always there. We knew that and tried to take advantage."

www.espnstar.com/football/league-cup/news/detail/item312838/Magilton-slams-playmaker-Akos

[QPR Report]

Photos from last night
www.qpr.co.uk/page/Gallery/0,,10373~1769069,00.html

Including:

[Bushman]

Rangers were crap and Briatore, Ecclestone & Paladini looked visibly shaken by the abuse they were receiving in the box.
Even Gerry Francis who I spoke to at half-time could not beleive how poor they were.

[Markqpr]

QPR 2 - Accrington Stanley 1

If Briatore and Ecclestone are sitting at home wondering how Gianni managed to convince them that QPR were only a small investment away from the big time then last night proved to them that they have been sold a dud.

Even with 9 out of the starting 11 last night being post-takeover purchases we still look like a team that doesn't train together, doesn't trust each other and will struggle to score all season.

Bearing in mind last nights opponents, the performance was one of non-commitment to the shirt.

I don't know if the players looked at Accrington Stanley and thought it was going to be easy and so played below par on purpose or we have lost our direction and purpose so much that last night was pretty much what we can expect all season.
I saw nothing last night to make me think that the latter is not the more likely.

Once again a few chances went begging in the first half but what was more alarming was the sight of a QPR player giving the ball away under no pressure and then seeing Accrington Stanley break into our half, pull our defence out of position with one pass and then either force Heaton into a save or miss the target time after time.
Simply put the only thing stopping Accrington Stanley from scoring in the first half last night was Accrington Stanley because our midfield was lazy on the point of being arrogant and our defence was back to it's keystone best.

An example: Rangers pick the ball up on the half way line and slowly advance into Accrington Stanley's half. We wait for all our players to get ahead of the ball and then delay the pass forward due to uncertainty stemming from a lack of intelligent movement ahead. The ball gets passed a short distance to a midfielder who then gives the ball away. Accrington Stanley immediately break into our half, 2 on 2, so BOTH defenders go to the ball leaving the WHOLE half free for the other Stanley player to run into. Neither defender comes close to making a tackle as the Stanley player simply rolls the ball across the park to his unmarked team mate who has all the time and space to take 2 touches, knock the ball forward and have a free shot.
If we were playing Championship opposition last night we would have been 4 or 5 down by half-time. As it was Accrington Stanley have only themselves to blame for not finishing us off by 45mins.

Heaton: Saved everything that came at him, though had no chance for the goal due to the amount of time and space their striker had, in our box. Overall quite good.

Ramage: Not a good game. Got beaten to the ball all night, couldn't tackle and going forward was back to his woeful best.

Stewart: Mistakes are creeping back into his game as the confidence slowly seeps out of our defence. Overall solid in the air again and actually played some lovely balls onto the wing but at the moment is shaky in defence and needs to pull his socks up. On last nights performance us nor he will be in the Premeirship next season so Damion, sort it out, quick.

Gorkss: Terrible. Looked lost most of the half. Unrecognisable from last season and either has a massive change of form fast or should be dropped.

Connolly: Average game. Didn't play badly and was one of the best of a bad bunch.

Mahon: Shocking. Don't know if it was a lack of respect for the opponents but did not get going all night, let the defense down badly, gave the ball away and was innefective all night. Needs to take a long look at himself and decide if last nights performance was good enough for himself at least.

Leigertwood: See Mahon.

Ephraim: Showed he cared at least. Again never got going all night, wasting an opportunity to stake a claim in the side. Bit of a headless chicken at times and mainly innefective.

Vine: Not the player he was. Not even close. Got the ball around the box and then did nothing with it most of the night. It's still far to early to say whether or not he can come back from his injury but so far it does not bode well for him.

Buzsacky: Almost like Vine above, but he was just terrible last night to the point the game bypassed him in the second half and he couldn't even get involved. If Magic's attempts at bullying a performance out of him don't work, it could be a very depressing season for him.

Agyemang: His substitution last night after 45mins. was a mercy substitution for both himself and the fans. He showed nothing last night to justify his place in the side and the options we had on the bench to replace him say more about our problems than anything else. Seems content to sit out his contract and I imagine we might see some effort or at least concern when he enters into the last year of his contract. Until then he can sit next to Gianni in the C Club for all I care. Enough empty seats and he sat there for most of the end of last season, next to Hall.

Borowdale: Not good enough again. The left back problem has been forgotten about for now, we need a replacement for Delaney and Borrowdale is not that man. Not good enough and seriously has to improve if he is to justify starting in that position.

Taraabt: Nice runs, good movement, no end product. Anyone who thinks he's a striker is wrong in my opinion. He is a winger. Fact. If we continue to play him leading the line then his inefficiencies will bear the board's out and will only get more frustrating to watch. Needs a target man to play alongside at least, but really should be on the left wing with permission to drift inside occasionally to pick up the ball. Also needs to learns the meaning of the word 'PASS' but we all know that. That selfish style of play of ball hogging only works when you are prolific in front of goal and he is far from that. How many points will he cost us overall being played out of position. Unfair on him and unfair on us.

Routledge: Not bad. Hardly lit the game up when he came on, took his goal really well and went home thinking 'job done'. Along with Heaton and maybe Connolly the only players to justifiably think so.

Again a changed team selection that did look strong on paper before the game and had the fans expecting a comfortable win and decent performance did nothing to change our lack of commitment and maybe getting beat last night might have done more for our season than just squeaking past two divisions lower opposition.

I do not see Magic and The Gorm lasting long on last nights performance.

And after last nights performance I won't argue with that.

[Bushman]

Well summed up Mark. I neither can see Magilton lasting long with the squad of crap he has been given.

[Zamoraaaah]

Thanks for the report Mark.
Let's hope it's teething troubles and Jim and The Gorm's man management and coaching skills can sort it soon...I'm not holding my breath though.

Too good to go down...

[QPR Report]

LoftforWords Match Report (Not Clive Whittingham, but still good!)
www.clubfanzine.com/QPR/v2.showNews.php?id=26175

[QPR Report]

And Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times

HOGAN Ephraim's second-half strike spared Rangers' blushes as they crept into the Carling Cup third round after a sluggish display against League Two opposition.

Despite the rows of empty seats at Loftus Road, the Rs were roundly booed at half-time after failing to stamp their authority on Tuesday's tie - and were fortunate not to fall behind.

Stanley squandered several opportunities, with Michael Symes forcing a diving stop from on-loan Rs goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

The visitors were denied a penalty soon afterwards when Damion Stewart's lofted back-pass caused Heaton problems and Sean McConville went tumbling over the keeper's leg.

Rangers continued to look vulnerable and Heaton had to make another scrambling save from Jimmy Ryan's free-kick before blocking the rebound from Symes.

Symes also stabbed wide with just the keeper to beat and it wasn't until late in the first half that Rangers created anything resembling a genuine chance, Alan Martin turning Rowan Vine's effort behind.

Half-time substitute Adel Taarabt did stretch the Stanley defence and it was the Moroccan who finally instigated the breakthrough in the 68th minute.

Wheeling away from his marker, Taarabt released Peter Ramage and the right-back's cross was controlled by Ephraim, who coolly lobbed into the far corner as Martin stood motionless.

Vine might have settled the tie soon afterwards, latching on to a pass from Akos Buszaky, but Martin again tipped the shot wide.

Rangers thought they had wrapped up victory in added time when Wayne Routledge collected Buszaky's pass and smashed home a second off the underside of the bar.

But there was still time for Stanley to pull back a goal they richly deserved, Symes tucking a shot past Heaton from close range. The fact that Rangers then proceeded to keep the ball in the corner says plenty about how close this tie was.

QPR: Heaton; Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss (Borrowdale 45), Connolly; Buzsaky, Mahon (Routledge 69), Leigertwood, Ephraim; Agyemang (Taarabt 45), Vine.


www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/QPR/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=QPRMatchReport&tBrand=KLBTOnline&tCategory=QPRMatchReport&itemid=WeED26%20Aug%202009%2010%3A24%3A03%3A187

[The Godfather]

My WATRB match report

www.wearetherangersboys.com/match_report.htm

[Zamoraaaah]

Cheers TG

[Zamoraaaah]

Aug 26, 2009 12:21:22 GMT QPR Report said:

LoftforWords Match Report (Not Clive Whittingham, but still good!)
www.clubfanzine.com/QPR/v2.showNews.php?id=26175

Only just read this.
Nice report 'Talli

[londonranger]

Second.