Swansea vs QPR - Match Reports & Comments

[QPR Report]

Swansea 2 QPR 0 - Swansea Official Site

The Swans celebrated a first league win over QPR in 44 years with two second-half goals against their nine-man opponents.

Despite a slow start the home side had the lions share of possession but couldn't convert during the first 45 minutes of play.

The R's were at a disadvantage early in the second period when skipper Martin Rowlands was shown his second yellow and it wasn't long after that when Mark Gower fired the Swans in front with his first ever league goal for the club.

Ben Watson was QPR's second man to walk and with less than five minutes remaining substitute Lee Trundle popped up with the second goal to make it five games unbeaten for Paulo Sousa's side.

Paulo was handed a welcome boost with the return of no fewer than three players from injury.

Leon Britton was passed fit to start in midfield while Andrea Orlandi and Cedric van der Gun made the bench.

There was a first competitive start of the season for Darren Pratley, Stephen Dobbie returned to lead the Swans' front-line and Nathan Dyer was back on the wing after serving a one-game ban.

Swans: Dorus de Vries; Angel Rangel, Garry Monk (C), Ashley Williams, Alan Tate; Leon Britton, Darren Pratley (Jordi Lopez, 87'), Mark Gower, Tom Butler (Lee Trundle, 61'), Nathan Dyer; Stephen Dobbie (Craig Beattie, 72').

Not Used: David Cornell, Jazz Richards, Andrea Orlandi, Cedric van der Gun.

QPR: Radek Cerny, Mikele Leigertwood, Damion Stewart, Kaspars Gorkss, Gary Borrowdale; Wayne Routledge, Ben Watson, Martin Rowlands (C), Akos Buzsaky (Adel Taarabt, 76'), Rowan Vine (Alejandro Faurlin, 61'), Jay Simpson (Allesandro Pellicori, 76').
Not Used: Tom Heaton, Peter Ramage, Gavin Mahon, Hogan Ephraim.
Referee: K D Hill (Hertfordshire)

The rain had passed and the sun was beating down on the lush Liberty surface for this final clash before the international break.

Despite an early Swans flurrish forward it was Paulo's old side that created the game's early chances.

Converted defender Mikele Leigertwood found space behind Alan Tate to cross into the box from the byline, forcing Ashley Williams into clearing behind for a corner, and from the cross the ball found its way to Akos Buzsaky but his effort whistled just over the top of goal.

The R's were enjoying plenty of possession and on nine minutes came even closer when Jay Simpson and Wayne Routledge linked-up inside the Swans' area and the latter drilled inches past Dorus de Vries right-hand post.

But the home side did manage to create their first opening 60 seconds later - Nathan Dyer used his electric pace to race onto a long pass forward and saw his cross cleared for a corner; Mark Gower crossed in from the left, Williams towered above the QPR defence but sent his header over the top.

Dyer was off again on 12 minutes, he pulled it back for Stephen Dobbie - starting his first game since late August - only for the striker to pull his weak effort across Radek Cerny's goal and past the post.

Tom Butler sent a looping header into the hands of Cerny from Alan Tate's left-sided cross five minutes later while Dobbie had a great chance midway through the half.

Darren Pratley picked out the run of Angel Rangel down the right behind Gary Borrowdale, he took it down on his chest before crossing low to the feet of Dobbie whose first-time effort was deflected behind at Cerny's near post.

But a swift counter attacking move caught the Swans on the back foot with 27 minutes played - the R's cleared a Swans corner and charged forward into the home side's half, the end product resulting in Jay Simpson firing across de Vries but wide of the target.

R's skipper Martin Rowlands was booked for a challenge on Dobbie during a strong spell of Swans dominance and on 38 minutes Pratley came close to drilling the hosts in front following fine play in midfield.

Kaspars Gorkss also entered the referee's note book for a touchline challenge on Nathan Dyer just before the break and from the set-piece taken by Gower it made its way to the feet of Dobbie whose low drive was well saved by the 'keeper.

And on 44 minutes Tom Butler skipped past Leigertwood, played a one-two with Dobbie before picking out Gower on the far side; the winger took a touch and sent a dangerous cross into the heart of the area which Dobbie came inches away from connecting.

Half-Time: Swans 0 QPR 0

The visitors made a strong start to the second period and within four minutes of the re-start came very close to scoring, had it not been for the quick reflexes of de Vries.

A free-kick from the right was curled into the heart of the area and Arsenal loanee Jay Simpson was ideally placed eight-yards from goal - he connected and sent his header goalbound but the Dutchman 'keeper pulled off a fantastic one handed save to deny the striker.

Kaspars Gorkss sent a header over the top before former Cardiff loanee Wayne Routledge cut inside and, with only Dorus to beat, forced another excellent save from the 'keeper.

And as the ball was cleared Nathan Dyer picked up possession 10-yards short of the half-way line and was grounded by the sliding challenge of Martin Rowlands - the player that injured de Vries in last seasons fixture - which warranted his second yellow card of the afternoon.

Now the Swans were on top and after Garry Monk connected with two Mark Gower corners - the first of which was deflected behind - Dyer picked out Pratley with a well placed cross only for the returning midfielder to slide in and force a low save from Cerny.

Gower fired another Swans effort over the bar while Butler cut inside to shoot and force a stop from the 'keeper at his near post.

Paulo made his first change of the afternoon just after the hour mark when Lee Trundle was introduced in place of Tom Butler to add more fire power to the Swans' attack.

Alan Tate fired over and Stephen Dobbie had a Gower cross cleared from his feet - it was to be his final involvement of the afternoon as Craig Beattie came on in place of his fellow countryman.

The Swans had looked strong this half and with 16 minutes remaining they were rewarded for their efforts.

Rangel found space on the right and sent a teasing cross deep into QPR's area, over the head of Beattie but Mark Gower was ideally placed to strike it first time between Cerny and the post to score his first league goal for the club.

QPR made two changes following the goal but their afternoon got a lot worse on 78 minutes when they were reduced to nine men - Wigan loanee Ben Watson was penalised for a second time in six minutes, this time for deliberate handball.

And it was game over with less than five minutes to play, Rangel sending Dyer on his way down the right-hand side and with Beattie and Trundle in the box the winger had options - his low cross found the latter and Trundle celebrated his second goal in a week to make the game safe.

Jordi Lopez was sent on for the final few minutes and as we entered the final minute of play Dyer jinxed his way past two defenders before forcing a save from Cerny.

Goal hero Trundle was bundled over inside the area by Gorkss, no penalty was given but it didn't matter as the Swans go into the international break on a high."



QPR Official Site - Nine-man Rangers succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at The Liberty Stadium.- Skipper Martin Rowlands and fellow central midfielder Ben Watson both saw red for two bookable offences, before late goals from Mark Gower and Lee Trundle, left the R's contemplating a first defeat in seven.
-
It was tough on Jim Magilton's men, who prior to the double dismissal, were more than a match for Paulo Sousa's side, with Jay Simpson and Wayne Routledge each squandering opportunities to opening the scoring.

- After a magnificent performance against table-topping Newcastle in midweek, R's boss Magilton unsurprisingly named a replica starting XI for the trip to Sousa's Swansea.

So, with Radek Cerny in goal, Gary Borrowdale, Kaspars Gorkss, Damion Stewart and Mikele Leigertwood made up Rangers' back four.

In midfield, Akos Buzsaky and Routledge occupied the flanks alongside skipper Rowlands and Watson, who was of course, goalscorer at St. James' Park on Wednesday evening.

Deadly duo Rowan Vine and Simpson led the attack for the R's.

There was one change on the bench, though, as Gavin Mahon came back into the Rangers fold at the expense of Patrick Agyemang.

Going into the match unbeaten in six matches, Rangers started the better as they looked to continue that good run of form at a blustery Liberty Stadium.

Good link-up play between Simpson and Leigertwood enabled the latter to drive a low centre across the face of goal, but Ashley Williams cleared the ball out for a corner.

And, after Watson's cross was only cleared as far as Rowlands, the R's captain fed Buzsaky some 25-yards from goal - though the Magical Magyar's delightful effort landed on the roof of the net.

This was great early pressure from the visitors, as they looked to get a foothold in the game.


Soon after, Rangers should have been a goal to the good. After a splendid pass from Gorkss found Simpson, he touched the ball on just past halfway to Routledge.

Typically running at the defence, the tricky winger continued to drive at the Swans rearguard before unleashing a low shot on goal that just faded past Dorus de Vries' right-hand post.

At the other end, it was the hosts who had their first real opportunity of the affair, and after Angel Rangel expertly crossed for Scott Dobbie, Stewart superbly blocked his effort away to safety.

Though moments later, the R's - who continued to look devastating going forward - probably should have taken the lead.

After a home corner, Rangers broke at pace and Buzsaky found Routledge, who played the ball onto Simpson. The young striker then drove into the area, though could only drag a shot wide.

In truth, the game was becoming somewhat of a lacklustre affair, as both sides seemed intent on cancelling each other out with chances at a premium.

Moments later, however, Swansea did have another unlikely chance to find the goal, but Darren Pratley could only flash his effort wide.

When the teams re-emerged for the second period, it's fair to say that Rangers would have looked to improve on their first-half display - and they did just that.

Only minutes had passed in fact, when after Watson's sublime corner found Gorkss, the Latvian defender headed high and wide of the goal when under pressure at the back post.

The momentum was beginning to swing Rangers' way, not least when only a stunning save at point-blank range prevented Simpson from finding the net, after another superb set-piece from Watson.

The R's were now having chances aplenty - and moments later, Routledge missed what can only be described as a guilt-edged chance.

After Rangers again broke at pace down the left through Vine, the R's frontman cut in past his marker and fed Routledge.

The midfielder took one touch to move the ball to his right, effectively dummying two defenders in one movement, only to be denied by the outstretched right arm of de Vries with the net ready to bulge.

However, that miss proved costly, when from the next passage of play, Rowlands sent Dyer sprawling to ground. He was shown a second yellow card, which resulted in a red.

Buoyed by the R's misfortune, the Swans looked eager to make their extra-man advantage count, and only a fine save from Cerny prevented Pratley from opening the scoring.

To be fair to Magilton, he stuck to his guns, opting to play a 4-3-1-1 formation following the introduction of Alejandro Faurlin for Vine.

However, for all their endeavour, Rangers were helpless to prevent the home side from taking the lead in the 74th minute.

Receiving the ball down the right, full-back Angel Rangel played a teasing cross into the back post for Gower - and the unmarked Swansea midfielder made no mistake thereafter, driving in low past Cerny from close range.

It was a goal that proved a bit of a blow to Rangers who, after coming out the better in the second half, found themselves a goal down.

Though, to their credit, Rangers did continue to press the home side and soon after, Leigertwood's attempt went straight at de Vries.

Unfortunately, however, Rangers' chances of grabbing that all-important equaliser were banished when Watson, after slipping and handling the ball, was shown his second yellow card and given his marching orders.

Nine-man Rangers didn't give up, though. And after a great ball from Leigertwood over the top to the newly-introduced Adel Taarabt, he could only blast high and wide of the goal.

But for all their hard work, it was Swansea who had the last laugh. And when Nathan Dyer squared for Trundle, the Swans loanee tapped into an empty net.

Swansea City: de Vries, Williams, Tate, Britton, Pratley (Lopez 86), Dyer, Dobbie (Beattie 72), Monk, Rangel, Gower, Butler (Trundle 61).Subs not used: Orlandi, van der Gun, Cornell, Richards. Scorers: Gower (74), Trundle (85)
Bookings: Gower (74)
QPR: Cerny, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Vine (Faurlin 61), Buzsaky (Taarabt 76), Gorkss, Rowlands, Watson, Simpson (Pellicori 76), Borrowdale. Subs not used: Ramage, Mahon, Heaton, Ephraim. Bookings: Rowlands (37 & 53), Gorkss (42), Watson (72 & 77) Red Cards: Rowlands (53), Watson (77) Referee: Mr K D Hill Attendance: 14, 444 (602) QPR

[QPR Report]

Sporting Life

Swansea 2 QPR 0

Paulo Sousa gained revenge against his former employers with victory over nine-man QPR to extend Swansea's unbeaten run in the Coca-Cola Championship to five games.

Sousa was coming up against Rangers for the first time since his contract at Loftus Road was terminated back in April, and it was he who had the last laugh.

After an opening 45 minutes which promised plenty but ultimately delivered just one tame effort on target, the second half provided far more entertainment.

Swans keeper Dorus De Vries was called upon to make two stunning saves before R's captain Martin Rowlands saw red for a second bookable offence. And from then on the game swayed in the home side's favour.

Mark Gower converted Angel Rangel's great cross 16 minutes from time and after QPR midfielder Ben Watson was also shown a second yellow card, Lee Trundle wrapped up all three points with his second goal in three games.

The triumph ended Jim Magilton's six-match unbeaten run in the league and provided Swans with their first league victory over QPR since 1965.

Akos Buzsaky came close to opening the scoring after just three minutes at a sunny but blustery Liberty Stadium, finding the roof of the net with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.

A clearly confident R's side, on a high as a result of their impressive form of late, soon settled into their stride and Wayne Routledge was next to go close from 20 yards.

After some patient build-up play, Stephen Dobbie forced Swansea's closest attempt, and arguably the closest of the first half, when his deflected effort at the near post flew narrowly wide.

On-loan Arsenal striker Jay Simpson then fired off target at the other end with QPR enjoying their best chances on the counter, although neither goalkeeper had yet been forced to make a save of any note.

Despite the best efforts of both sides it was becoming evidently clear that a goal for either would really bring the game to life.

Swans midfielder Darren Pratley fired wide while Dobbie drilled straight at Radek Cerny - the first effort of the game on target - as the home side applied pressure in the closing stages of an opening 45 minutes which they had just about shaded.

In stark contrast to the first half, De Vries was called upon to make a superb save just four minutes after the restart.

Watson's corner was flicked on at the near post and the Swans keeper denied Simpson with an instinctive reflex save from close range.

De Vries again had to be at his best just minutes later to produce a superb stop to keep out Routledge in an action-packed start to the second half.

But having twice come close to breaking the deadlock, Rangers were reduced to 10 men in the 53rd minute when skipper Rowlands was shown a deserved second yellow card for a rash challenge on Nathan Dyer.

The dismissal spurred the hosts in action and they immediately put QPR on the back foot, although for all their dominance they were failing to really test Cerny.

Yet that all changed in the 74th minute when the unmarked Gower connected with Rangel's cross to open the scoring from close range.

Watson received a second yellow for handball just minutes later, reducing the visitors to nine men.

And it was left for Trundle to wrap things up when he connected with Dyer's right-wing cross from six yards in the 85th minute

www.sportinglife.com/football/live/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/10/03/manual_143548.html

[QPR Report]

Photos from today

www.swanseacity.net/page/Gallery/0,,10354~1816874,00.html

[QPR Report]

Magilton's Comments

QPR Official Site

MAGILTON: 10 SECONDS OF MADNESS

Jim Magilton pulled no punches in his assessment of Rangers' 2-0 defeat against Swansea City this afternoon.

The R's looked in control of tight affair at The Liberty Stadium, only for Martin Rowlands and soon after, Ben Watson, to be given their marching orders - both for second bookable offences.

Swansea made their numerical advantage count late on through Mark Gower and then Lee Trundle to hand Paulo Sousa's men victory, and Magilton admitted Rangers' inability to take their chances ultimately cost them.

He told http://www.qpr.co.uk: "We started the game really, really well, controlling possession and creating chances.

"But we didn't score when we had the opportunities, and I know it's obvious to say, but red cards and goals change games.

"We had one or two chances through Wayne Routledge and Jay Simpson in the first half, but then the match turned lacklustre.

"It really petered out for the last 15 minutes of the half, but Swansea just about edged it in that period."

Magilton added: "At the start of the second half we were great from the first whistle. Their goalkeeper made two miracle saves, and then of course in 10 seconds, following Routledge's chance, the course of the game changed.


"Martin Rowlands was probably a little bit rash - and with two bookings, he has to go. It was always going to be difficult after that."

Without naming names, Magilton was somewhat critical of a few individual performances, commenting: "One or two of the lads' heads were still at St. James' Park, maybe they looked at the press reports after the game and lorded it up.

"We weren't as incisive as we have been, but we had to carry one or two today, which really disappoints me."

However, although disappointed by the defeat, Magilton reiterated his delight at how his side have progressed in September - and insists Rangers will come back as hungry as ever after the upcoming international break.

"It's really tough to accept, because September was a great month for us. But we move on, the international break probably comes at the right time."
www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1816917,00.html

[QPR Report]

Sousa....Swansea Official Site

Simply the best, says proud Paulo

Swans boss Paulo Sousa felt his side played some of their best football of the season as he put one over on his old QPR side at the Liberty Stadium.

Goals from Mark Gower and Lee Trundle earned the Swans a 2-0 win to extend their unbeaten run to five games and push them up into 14th place in the Championship.

"In some parts of the game we played our best football of the season,'' beamed Paulo. "I am so proud of them.

"It's always nice to beat your old side. As a player I always tended to win when I came up against my former teams; now I've done it as a manager.

"I was told Swansea hadn't beaten QPR in the league since 1955, so it was about time we changed that.

"It was an important win against a good quality team looking for promotion. QPR came with a lot of confidence on the back of some good results.

"It was a great show because my players understood the right moments to win the game. We kept possession well and chose the right moments to take advantage of their nine men.

"It is a great step for us and an important three points going into the international break.''

Paulo also paid tribute to Mark Gower who finally scored his first league goal in 46 attempts.

"It's all been a question of confidence with Mark,'' he added. "We've always believed in him and we've been working hard with him because before he came here he scored a lot of goals with Southend.

"I hope this goal will help him believe in himself a lot more, because he's a quality player.''

But while his goalscorers will make the headlines over the weekend, Paulo gave a special mention to his goalkeeper, Dorus de Vries, who pulled off two tremendous saves after the break with the game still goalless.

"When we need Dorus he is always there for us,'' he pointed out. "They were two special saves at important moments in the game.''

QPR manager, Jim Magilton, added: "We started really well but should have scored in the first half.

"Swansea came out much better after the interval, but their keeper still had to make a couple of great saves to stop us from taking the lead.

"It was two influential players who were dismissed and we carried one or two others, but we still tried to play positive football despite the setbacks.

"I felt comfortable for the opening half hour but that lack of a cutting edge has cost us."

www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~1817002,00.html

[QPR Report]

Sporting Life

SOUSA PLEASED TO BEAT OLD CLUB

Paulo Sousa enjoyed his reunion with Queens Park Rangers as Swansea secured a 2-0 victory in an eventful game on Saturday.

The Swans took full advantage as Rangers were reduced to nine men, with Mark Gower breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute and substitute Lee Trundle sealing the points five minutes from time.

Martin Rowlands had received his marching orders eight minutes after half-time and Ben Watson followed him late on to leave the visitors up against it.

For Sousa the victory was particularly sweet after he was sacked by the London club in April.

"It was good to get a win against my old club but it was even better to meet up with my old players," he said.

"It is important to beat those teams who are going for promotion as it shows you can win against quality.

"Today's victory was important with the international break coming up but for 30 minutes it was difficult against them.

"We took full advantage of being against nine players but we are an honest team and never went out looking for yellow cards."

Play was evenly matched for an hour, with both sides passing the ball about quickly and to good effect, but the final pass was often poor and few goal chances opened up.

Swansea welcomed back Darren Pratley and Leon Britton to their midfield after spells out injured and it certainly had the desired effect as the home side began to look more like their old selves passing the ball around at pace.

The game changed in the 53rd minute when Rangers skipper Rowlands received a second yellow card after being booked in the first half.

Trundle was sent on after an hour in an attempt to open up the 10 men but worse was to follow for Rangers when Watson was booked twice in five minutes to leave the visitors playing the final 13 minutes with only nine men.

Nathan Dyer, who was prominent down the Swansea right all afternoon, sped down the flank in the 85th minute and crossed low to Trundle, who side-footed home from close range.

Dyer was given plenty of opportunities to show his speed down the wing and, with the defence in fine form, they fully deserved the victory.


Rangers manager Jim Magilton rued his side's failure to take their chances.

"We started really well but should have scored in the first half," he said.

"Swansea came out much better after the interval but their keeper still had to make a couple of great saves to stop us from taking the lead.

"It was two influential players who were dismissed and today we carried one or two others but we still tried to play positive football despite the setbacks.

"I felt comfortable for the opening half hour but that lack of a cutting edge has cost us."

www.sportinglife.com/football/live/quotes/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/10/03/SOCCER_Swansea_2nd_Nightlead.html

[QPR Report]

Fan Reports:

Vital Football QPR
www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=172527

[QPR Report]

Express - SOUSA SWEET REVENGE
By Daily Express Reporter Swansea 2 QPR 0

[Just to note the QPR Report headline for the Match Reports compilation was... "Sousa's Sweet Revenge: Swansea Beat Nine Man QPR - Compilation of Match Reports & Managerial Comments" ]


Paulo Sousa gained revenge on his old side as Swansea pulled off a shock win over nine-man QPR.

Mark Gower and Lee Trundle struck late on as high-flying Rangers’ six-game unbeaten run was ended.

But Rangers were architects of their own downfall after dominating much of the game before paying the price for losing Martin Rowlands and Ben Watson.

Both players were dismissed for collecting two bookings.

www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/131898/Sousa-sweet-revenge/#

MAIL
Swansea 2 QPR 0: Magilton rues his luck as Rangers are sunk by Swans

Jim Magilton was left scratching his head as his nine-man QPR side crashed to defeat at Swansea.
Opposite number Paulo Sousa, who was sacked as Rangers boss last season, saw his side steal the points through late strikes from Mark Gower and substitute Lee Trundle.

And QPR boss Magilton said: 'We had chance after chance, their goalkeeper makes two miraculous saves and then we lose Martin Rowlands to a reckless challenge.
"In the course of 10 seconds the game completely changes.

'I'm not going to single out players for ridicule who have given me everything. But I think our recent results may have gone to their heads a little.'

After Dorus de Vries had twice denied the visitors, Gower made the most of Martin Rowlands' dismissal by breaking the deadlock in the 76th minute.

Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1217913/Swansea-2-QPR-0-Magilton-rues-luck-Rangers-sunk-Swans.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0SwxYB9JX

[QPR Report]

News of The World

NEWS OF THE WORLD - SWANSEA 2, QPR 0 It's payback time for Swans chief Paulo Sousa
- SWANS boss Paulo Sousa enjoyed sweet revenge against his old club as nine-man Rangers crashed to their first defeat in six games.
- Mark Gower smashed home his first Swansea goal after 74 minutes before substitute Lee Trundle sealed the victory five minutes from time.
- Rangers had Martin Rowlands sent off in the 53rd minute after two bookable offences.
- And Ben Watson joined him in the 77th minute after picking up a second yellow card in six minutes.
- Sousa said: "I'm very proud of my players. They did a great job today. The red cards helped us but we were playing well anyway.
- "We beat a team that's going for promotion and that's very pleasing."
- Gower sweetly volleyed Angel Rangel's cross past Radek Cerny to make it 1-0 before Trundle tapped home Nathan Dyer's centre.
- The visitors had been on top at the start of the second half before skipper Rowlands was sent off.
- And Swans keeper Dorus de Vries had to make two wonder saves to keep Jay Simpson and Wayne Routledge at bay.
- Rangers chief Jim Magilton said: "We started the second half really well and their keeper made two miracle saves. But Martin's red card changed the game.
- "The tackle which led to his second booking was harsh. He is the captain and has to show more responsibility."
www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/533224/SWANS-boss-Paulo-Sousa-enjoyed-sweet-revenge-against-his-old-club-as-nine-man-Rangers-crashed-to-their-first-defeat-in-six-games.html

[QPR Report]

SUNDAY PEOPLE/Darren Witcoop - SOUSA GLEE OVER HOOPS'NINE MEN-

Swansea QPR 2 0 PAULO SOUSA gained sweet revenge over his old employers as nine-man QPR crashed - much to the anger of Jim Magilton.
- Sousa, who was axed as Rangers gaffer last season, had the last laugh here thanks to late goals from Mark Gower and Lee Trundle.
- But the high-flying Hoops only had themselves to blame as Martin Rowlands and Ben Watson pressed the selfdestruct button.
- Qpr boss Magilton said: "We had chance after chance, their keeper makes two miraculous saves and then we lose a man.
- "In the course of 10 seconds the game completely changes. Rowlands was a little rash and it was uphill task from there.
- "I'm not going to single out players who have given me everything. But I think our recent results may have gone to their heads a little."
- Swansea were indebted to Dorus de Vries as both Jay Simpson - who had missed two first-half chances - and Wayne Routledge were somehow denied by the Swans keeper.
- But Rowlands immediately walked for a second yellow card after a rash lunge on Nathan Dyer.
- Gower rubbed salt into the wounds when he volleyed home Angel Rangel's cross for his first Swansea goal with 76 minutes on the clock.
- And after Watson received a second yellow card for a deliberate handball, substitute Trundle met Dyer's cross in the 85th minute to clinch victory.
- Sousa said: "It is good to get a win - whoever we play. With the international break coming up this was important and it shows we can win against quality. I'm proud of my team." SWANSEA: *DE VRIES 9 - Rangel 8, Monk 7, Williams 7, Tate 6 - Dyer 7, Britton 6, Pratley 7 (Lopez, 87mins), Gower 6, Butler 6 (Trundle, 61mins, 6) - Dobbie 5 (Beattie, 72mins).
- Qpr: Cerny 6 - Leigertwood 6, Stewart 6, Gorkss 7, Borrowdale 7 - *ROUTLEDGE 8, Watson 6, Rowlands 5, Buzsaky 7 (Taarabt, 76mins) - Vine 6 (Faurlin, 61mins, 6), Simpson 6 (Pellicori, 76mins). REFEREE: K Hill 7

www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_method=full%26objectID=21720916%26siteID=93463-name_page.html

[QPR Report]

Wales Online

Four changes pay off for Sousa’s Swansea side
Oct 4 2009 by Simon Kendal-Williams, Wales On Sunday

MARK Gower was the unlikely hero as Swansea City extended their unbeaten run to five games against nine-man QPR.

Gower had done everything but score in his 45 previous league games for the Swans.

But it was the winger’s precise finish in the 73rd minute which paved the way for the second home victory in a week, substitute Lee Trundle putting the result beyond doubt late on.

Paulo Sousa made four changes from the side which started the midweek draw at Doncaster.

Nathan Dyer returned from suspension on the wing, while striker Stephen Dobbie made his first start since suffering a rib injury against Sc**thorpe back in August.

Leon Britton was passed fit in midfield, where the Swans received a huge boost with Darren Pratley’s first appearance of the campaign.

A snappy start from both goal-shy sides nearly produced an early breakthrough for the visitors.

Rowan Vine’s low cross from a short corner was almost poked into his own net by Ashley Williams as he slid in at the near post.

And when the resulting corner was only cleared as far as skipper Martin Rowlands, Akos Buzsaky’s dipping shot landed on the roof of Dorus de Vries’ net.

QPR were not averse to trying little flicks and feints to get behind the home back-four, and one such move set Wayne Routledge free.

The winger pulled the trigger 18 yards out, but Alan Tate arrived in the nick of time, doing just enough to force the former Spurs and Aston Villa man to pull his shot wide.

Williams remains the Swans’ joint-top scorer with two goals.

And he should have added to his tally in the 10th minute, when he climbed high above Damien Stewart but headed over from six yards.

As ever with Swansea, there was plenty of crisp passing. But too often they chose the wrong option in the final third.

The better the chance, the more anxious the delivery, and Dobbie in particular was left with his hands in the air questioning the quality and direction of the final delivery.

Swansea did end the half on top, though.

A rare sortie from Angel Rangel took the Spaniard to the byeline, Dobbie just beaten to the cross by Gary Borrowdale.

And in the 37th minute, after Rowlands had been booked for a clumsy challenge on Dobbie, Pratley warmed Radek Cerny’s palms from outside the box after Butler and Britton had forged an opening.

Kaspar Gorkss was next in referee Keith Hill’s notebook, the Latvian centre-half guilty of flattening Dyer after a delightful long ball from Rangel.

This time it was Dobbie’s turn to test Cerny, but he spurned an even better opportunity just before the break.

Butler found Mark Gower down the right flank and the red-booted winger sent a superb cross across the six-yard box.

The ball was crying out for Dobbie to fling himself towards it, but he stepped back, did nothing and the chance had gone.

And in first-half injury time, Gower found himself momentarily unmarked at the back post.

But in a flash, Mikele Leigertwood and Jay Simpson were on hand to out-muscle the Swan as he shaped to shoot.

If this game was a slow burner before the break, it certainly caught fire thereafter.

Twice in quick succession, Dorus de Vries produced two stunning saves as QPR poured forward.

Stewart’s flick-on found Jay Simpson free on the six-yard line, the Swans keeper acrobatically clawing his volley away.

And minutes later, Routledge was left staring in disbelief after de Vries pushed away his fierce drive with one hand.

Gorkss had flashed a header over from Ben Watson’s free-kick before Rangers’ momentum was abruptly halted in the 53rd minute.

Dyer had embarked on another run when Rowlands crudely scythed him down, not even waiting to see Mr Hill brandish a second yellow card before making his way towards the tunnel.

The impetus was now with Swansea and they quickly tried to make their advantage count.

Garry Monk went close twice from successive corners, Pratley again drove straight at Cerny from distance and Butler had the QPR stopper scrambling at his near post.

Rangers boss Jim Magilton predictably withdrew one of his strikers, Vine, for midfielder Alexandro Faurlin to try and safeguard a point.

Sousa, to his credit, went all out in search of the win, sending on Lee Trundle and record-signing Craig Beattie with 20 minutes to go.

And three minutes later, up popped Gower with a finish becoming of a 20-goal-a-season striker.

Rangel yet again provided a deep, quality cross across the box and there was the winger to shake off his marker and volley home.

Matters went from bad to worse for QPR five minutes later.

Watson had been booked for a challenge on Pratley just before the goal and, after deliberately handling the ball on the ground, he followed his captain into the dressing room, leaving his team down to nine men.

It was left to Trundle to apply the coup de grace.

Another Dyer rampage down the right left Borrowdale helpless and Trundle, unmarked eight yards out, powered home.

Trundle was denied what appeared a stonewall penalty when Gorkss took his legs in injury time.

It didn’t matter, though.

Maybe, after a testing first two months, the Swans’ campaign is finally up and running.

www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2009/10/04/four-changes-pay-off-for-sousa-s-side-91466-24845426/

[QPR Report]

Mirror - Swansea 2–0 QPR: Mark Gower bags his first goal for Swans as his family swaps football for shopping

Mark Gower said he will let his family go shopping more often after finally scoring his first Swansea goal in 53 league and cup attempts.

The winger, who joined on a free transfer from Southend at the start of last season, has been cursed by bad luck in front of goal.

He even blamed his number 11 shirt and changed it this season to number 27.

But Gower’s luck turned on 74 minutes when he volleyed home Angel Rangel’s cross from close range - a finish that would have impressed the watching John Hartson.

“In my career I’ve been used to my fair share of goals,” said Gower. “It was well documented last year that I never scored but thankfully I’m off the mark.

“It felt like it was the first goal I ever scored because it’s been so long and it’s weighed me down.

“With my luck, I wouldn’t celebrate anything until it was over the line. I thought about checking with all the linesmen and the ref first to make sure it stood.

“Then I didn’t know what to do and thankfully a few of the boys came and got me before I made a fool of myself.

“My family didn’t come today. Maybe I need to send them shopping more often.”

Gower was not the only one smiling as manager Paulo Sousa celebrated the win over former employers QPR, who controversially sacked him in April.

“I hope his goal can give him the confidence to start scoring more goals,” said Sousa, whose side are now unbeaten in five. “He needed to score.

“I will now celebrate three very important points. As a player, when I played against my ex-teams normally I won and I’m happy to have done the same as a manager.

“It’s also important to win against teams looking for promotion. We have the same points as QPR now.”

Swansea had goalkeeper Dorus de Vries to thank for two superb saves in the space of four second half minutes as Rangers pressed for the opener.

The first came from Jay Simpson’s close range flick and then the Dutchman denied Wayne Routledge from 12 yards before Rangers captain Martin Rowlands saw red for a second yellow after a rash challenge on Nathan Dyer.

That changed the course of the game and Rangel’s 74th minute ball into the box found Gower to break the deadlock for the Swans.

Within three minutes the visitors were down to nine men when Ben Watson also picked up a second yellow for handball.

Swansea wrapped up the win five minutes from time when the brilliant Dyer broke free down the right and sent a low delivery for Lee Trundle to smash home.

“We weren’t as decisive as we have been and I think we carried one or two today,” said Rangers boss Jim Magilton.

“We also had two influential players gone off, but those lads have given me everything.

“I’m not going to stand here and criticise them. No way. They’re outstanding individuals.

“The international break has come at the right time. We will sit and reflect and we move on.”

Swansea: De Vries 8, Rangel 7, Williams 7, Monk 7, Tate 6, Dyer 9, Britton 7, Pratley 7 (Lopez 87, 5), Gower 7, Butler 6 (Trundle 61, 6), Dobbie 6 (Beattie 72, 6). Subs not used: Cornell, Richards, Orlandi, Van der Gun.

QPR: Cerny 7, Leigertwood 7, Stewart 6, Gorkss 7, Borrowdale 6, Routledge 7, Rowlands 6, Watson 7, Simpson 7 (Pellicori.76, 6), Vine 5 (Faurlin 61, 6), Buzsaky 6 (Taarabt 76, 5). Subs Not Used: Heaton, Ramage, Mahon, Ephraim.

www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Swansea-2-0-QPR-Mark-Gower-bags-his-first-goal-for-Swans-as-his-family-swaps-football-for-shopping-article179263.html#

[QPR Report]

The Star SO BAD ON RED-FACED RANGERS By Darren Witcoop

PAULO SOUSA gained revenge over his old side as Swansea pulled off a shock win over nine-man QPR.

Mark Gower and Lee Trundle struck late on as high-flying Rangers’ six-game unbeaten run was ended.

But Rangers were architects of their own downfall after losing Martin Rowlands and Ben Watson to red cards.

Swansea boss Sousa, who is taking his old club to court following his controversial sacking six months ago, saw
Rangers dominate.

But the game changed when Rowlands was given his marching orders by ref Keith Hill in the 53rd minute for an ugly lunge on Nathan Dyer.

Swansea went for broke by bringing on strike pair Lee Trundle and Craig Beattie. But it was Gower who stole in at the far post to meet Rangel’s pinpoint cross in the 76th minute.

Rangers were reduced to nine men, Watson following Rowlands down the tunnel following a second yellow card for deliberate handball.

And Trundle made sure in the 86th minute firing home from Dyer’s cross

www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/102030/So-bad-on-red-faced-rangers/

[QPR Report]

Clive Whittingham/LoftforWords Match Report

www.clubfanzine.com/QPR/v2.showNews.php?id=26544

[QPR Report]

Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report

www.qprnet.com/firstteam/0910/reports/swanseaa.shtml#

[QPR Report]

And includes assessment of Swansea under Sousa

This is South Wales

jobs
Search for
local motors
Search for
local properties
Search: Search
This Site WebThis SiteThis is NetworkPostcodeThis SiteWebThis is NetworkPostcode Postcode part 1 Postcode part 2 powered by
Rangers revenge mission is just champion for delighted Sousa
Monday, October 05, 2009, 10:00Comment on this story

IN what goes down as a first for Swansea City, their manager compared victory this weekend to a previous success in the Champions League final.
A win against Queens Park Rangers, Paulo Sousa explained, brought back memories of Borussia Dortmund's meeting with Juventus 12 years ago, when he triumphed with the Germans having played for the opposition the previous season.
"It's always special to get three points, but of course I can't forget that I'm against one of my former teams," Sousa said.
"As a player when I came up against my ex-teams I normally won. I am happy to do the same as a manager."
This was one of those days when a plan came together for the Swansea boss. And he loved it.
Sousa's Swansea reign has been a rocky one to date, with more questions than answers in his first few months in charge.
A pile of work is still to be done as the Portuguese attempts to rebuild a club who said goodbye to the rug under their feet in the summer.
But Sousa has at least garnered a run of results — Swansea are now five games unbeaten — which suggests that progress is being made.
Positive
Swansea settle down for the international break in positive mood after goals from Mark Gower — at last — and Lee Trundle ended Rangers' six-game unbeaten league run.
Last week was a good one for Sousa. After a goalless draw at Barnsley left Swansea on the fringes of the relegation zone, there was a first hint of pressure on Roberto Martinez's successor.
Had things not gone according to plan against Sheffield United, Doncaster and QPR, the tension would by now have been mounting.
As it is, Swansea are seven points better off than they were post-Barnsley — it would have been nine had they taken their chances at Donny — and Sousa's stock is as high as it has been since he arrived in Wales.
"I am pleased about everything," Sousa said enthusiastically. "My sources tell me we didn't beat QPR since 1965, so this is a pleasing result. They are a team who are playing for promotion this season, they have good quality, so to beat them is very good for us."
Sousa, unusually, had made no secret of his desire to win this one.
Asked in the build-up about facing the team who gave him the chop six months ago, Sousa steered clear of the standard "just another game" response.
Instead, refreshingly, he admitted that he was hungrier than normal to bank three points this weekend.
Sousa remains bitter about his exit from Loftus Road, where he claims the board of directors let him down and then got rid of him before he'd had a proper chance to make a mark.
So it was not surprising that he savoured the moment on Saturday evening. After warm handshakes with a number of his old players — Sousa worked with all but two of the visitors' starting line-up during his time in London — the former midfielder celebrated animatedly with members of his current squad.
"It was nice to see my former players," he added. "We had a great time together and they all said some special things to me before and after the game. That's pleasing for me, something to be proud of.
"But I am more proud of my players here at Swansea. They understood the right moments to win this match and I think everyone needs to be proud of them. We have made a great step forward."
Up to 14th in the Championship table, Swansea can feel a little happier with their start to the season than they did a couple of weeks back.
There is still work to be done. Saturday's double takes them up to a total of seven Championship goals, but they remain the lowest scorers in the division.
Only Darlington, who prop up the rest, have netted fewer anywhere in the Coca-Cola League.
But a huge positive is Swansea's excellent defensive record. Dorus de Vries kept his seventh clean sheet of the season against Rangers, and the tally of nine league goals conceded is bettered by only one second-tier side, Newcastle United.
And they are top of the table. If Swansea could find a little more finishing power, you wonder how high up they could be.
Already there have been four draws, after all, which might easily have been victories. If that sounds like last season at the Liberty, a definite change this term is the greater emphasis on defence.
Whereas his predecessor would send on a couple of extra strikers even when his team were ahead, Sousa is the type of manager who will always look to protect what he has got.
That much was obvious late on against Rangers, when calls for caution came from the dugout even with Swansea two goals, and two men, to the good.
Sousa's team were cruising at the end, but that didn't tell the story of a game where a Rangers side packed with Championship class might have done some damage.
"They have had some good results and for 30 minutes it was not easy," Sousa conceded.
Jim Magilton's team might have led at the break, but Wayne Routledge and Jay Simpson both fired wide at the end of rapid breakaways.
Swansea had lacked cutting edge, Stephen Dobbie drilling their one first-half chance of any note straight at keeper Radek Cerny.
Sousa's old boys started the second period with intent, Simpson forcing a brilliant save from de Vries with a point-blank volley and then Routledge drilling too close to the Swansea stopper when he could have passed the ball into the corner.
As Swansea cleared, Rs skipper Martin Rowlands — the man whose knee shattered de Vries's jaw last season — clattered Nathan Dyer and collected a second yellow card after catching Dobbie earlier on.
The hosts seized the initiative, Garry Monk heading wide before Darren Pratley volleyed too close to Cerny.
Having knocked on the door, Swansea piled through it when Angel Rangel's deep cross cleared Craig Beattie and reached Gower at the far post.
Given that the former Southend man had gone 52 Swansea appearances without a goal, you would not have staked the mortgage on him converting what was a tricky opportunity.
But Gower finished like a thoroughbred, steering a half-volley into the net with his weaker left foot.
"We believe in Mark," Sousa said. "Before coming here he scored a lot of goals, but he hasn't got one for Swansea and that has been on his mind.
"He has done all his other work normally, only the goals haven't come, and I hope that will change now."
Rangers were still alive despite Gower's strike, but hopes of a revival died when Ben Watson followed Rowlands down the tunnel after a couple of quickfire yellows.
Now Swansea could enjoy themselves, and the second goal came when Rangel fed Dyer and Trundle swept home the winger's perfect centre.
"We have made good moves against teams like Doncaster and Barnsley but we couldn't find the last touch," Sousa said.
"It came good this time and I hope in the future we can carry on doing the same things."
The final third remains the challenge for Swansea
www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/sport/Rangers-revenge-mission-just-champion-delighted-Sousa/article-1390538-detail/article.html

[Zamoraaaah]

BBC highlights news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8289672.stm