A night when Paul Jones showed his experience in goal with some stunning saves and Jimmy Smith yet again scores another 20 yard stunner then you would have hoped for a better result than to lose 1-2 at home to a resiliant Derby County.
In truth this was not a great spectacle from either side and the end to end flowing football of the first 30 minutes sadly faded gradually as was probably expected with both clubs only having played a few days ago. One thing is obvious and that fitness is a concern as is the Rangers defence. Steve Lomas is no right back but fair play to the man as he will give 100% and do a job but he looked run ragged midway through the second half and if it was not for Jones in goal then thr R’s could have been on the end of a slightly worse result. Another defender who has problems tonight was Damion Stewart who it has to be said was not at the races and one note for Gregory’s thoughts going into this weekend is how to resolve our leaky defence that in 3 games has let in 6 goals and we must impose ourselves in the game right from the start as this is the third game in a row where we have gone behind within 3 minutes (must be a record!). That statistic alone is a major issue and the sooner it get’s ironed out then Rangers can go on to have a reasonable season because the likes of Cook, Rowlands, Smith and Blackstock have much to offer as under John Gregory’s reign so far have averaged 2 goals per game.
First half goals from Morten Bisgaard and Steve Howard proved decisive, as John Gregory’s men succumbed to their first defeat in four Championship fixtures.
Rangers trailed 2-1 at the break, despite Smith bagging an early contender for goal of the season.
After conceding so early on against Norwich on Saturday, you would have expected the R’s to have learned their lesson.
Unfortunately for an expectant home crowd that wasn’t the case, as Bisgaard capitalised on some poor marking in the heart of the defensive third to curl a sublime third minute effort past Paul Jones.
Undeterred, Rangers were on terms three minutes later courtesy of a stunning strike from Smith.
After marking his home debut in style on Saturday with a strike that belied his tender age, the Chelsea teenager went one better with the type of volley that wouldn’t look out of place on the biggest stage of them all.
Rangers were indebted to Jones for keeping them in the contest as the half evolved, as the veteran Welsh stopper rolled back the years, producing two world-class saves to keep the Rams at bay.
But all his hard work went to waste on 32 minutes, when Howard followed up Arturo Lupoli’s 15-yard strike to give the Rams the advantage at the break.
John Gregory named an unchanged line-up for the visit of one of his former sides to Loftus Road.
Chelsea loanee Smith continued his flourishing partnership with Marc Bircham in the heart of the R’s midfield, while his Blues team-mate Michael Mancienne was named on the R’s bench.
Buoyed by his two goal salvo on Saturday, it was man of the moment Martin Rowlands who sparked the R’s into life early on.
After seeing his 25-yard free-kick blocked for a corner, his resultant second minute set-piece found Damion Stewart, who was unlucky to see his powerful header blocked to safety.
A minute later Derby were ahead. Bisgaard was gifted far too much time and space 25-yards from goal and he duly took advantage, curling a superb right footed strike past the despairing dive of Paul Jones.
Rangers should’ve been level two minutes later when a sublime cross from Lee Cook fell perfectly on to the head of Dexter Blackstock, only for Lee Grant to pull off a top-drawer save from point-blank range to deny the former Rams loanee.
Moments later the R’s were on terms and what a goal it was too.
There appeared to be little danger when the ball fell at the feet of Smith 20-yards from goal, but the Chelsea youngster had other ideas, letting fly with an unstoppable left footed half-volley that gave Grant absolutely no chance.
The reaction from his team-mates told its own story, as all 10 outfield players rejoiced as one to mark a truly sensational strike.
Rangers were revelling in the atmosphere of a pumped up Loftus Road and few were expressing themselves more than Cook.
When Marcus Bignot clipped a neat pass into his path on the left wing on 12 minutes, only a superb defensive header from Michael Johnson prevented the onrushing Blackstock and Ray Jones adding to the R’s tally.
While Cook was excelling at one end, Jones was producing absolute wonders at the other.
Lupoli seemed destined to make it 2-1 when he was gifted the freedom of the six-yard box on 18 minutes, but the Welsh stopper flung himself full length to his right to deny the Arsenal teenager.
The Rangers keeper was at it again two minutes, producing an even better one handed stop to prevent Seth Johnson’s stunning strike from hitting the back of the net.
But he was powerless to prevent Howard from making it two on 32 minutes.
Lupoli’s initial effort was only parried by Jones and the unmarked Howard arrived bang on cue to slot into an unguarded net.
Rangers had strong appeals for a spot-kick when Blackstock appeared to be tugged to ground a minute later, but the inconsistent referee Mr Thorpe waved play on, as the R’s went in trailing.
After Howard’s lucky ricochet cannoned a yard over the Rangers bar on 47 minutes, play quickly switched to the other end, with Blackstock seeing his deft header from an acute angle hacked off the line by Michael Johnson.
Moments later Rowlands let fly with a fearsome 18-yard strike that flew inches wide of the right hand upright, as Rangers started to take control.
Seth Johnson became the third Rams player to see yellow for a rash challenge on Bignot, before Cook received a caution in disgust after a perfectly timed tackle.
But just when it seemed as though an equaliser was on the cards, Jones had to be at his best to produce yet more heroics at the other end, tipping round Bisgaard’s goal-bound free-kick, before thwarting Howard from close range.
Derby were slowly but surely beginning to orchestrate proceedings, with Billy Davies’ men hitting the woodwork twice in as many minutes.
Firstly, second half substitute Jon Stead struck a thunderous effort against the post, before Howard headed onto the top of the bar from 10-yards.
Adam Bolder should’ve wrapped it all up on 71 minutes, but after fine wide play from Stead, he somehow missed his kick from little more than three yards.
Smith did his best to spark the R’s into action when his stinging 20-yard drive flew inches over the top on 73 minutes, before Gregory made his first change, introducing Kevin Gallen at the expense of Jones.
Bircham stung the palms of Grant with a speculative 30-yard drive on 84 minutes, while Blackstock headed over from six-yards out when it seemed easier to score.
Jones’ cameo display in the Rangers goal continued right up until the final whistle when he saved well from Stead, before at the other end, Rowlands’ close range strike on 90 minutes was deflected wide for a corner.
Player Ratings
Paul Jones
You have to feel sorry for the guy as he has seem the ball fly past him 10 times in his last 3 matches (5 for Wales please note). Tonight he was excellent and kept Rangers hopes alive as his back four did very little to bail him out. 8/10
Marcus Bignot
Has been revitalised under John Gregory and has never given less than 100% for QPR. Marcus is playing out of position at left back back his speed and persistence makes up for his lack of a left foot. 6/10
Steve Lomas
Another player who will always give his best but age is not on his side anymore and surely playing right back is a stop gap until Gregory can find a back four who can lock up at the back. Lomas is at best a last 20 minute sub to guard the back four as a defensive midfielder. 5/10
Zesh Rehman
Rehman has potential but needs to be playing along side an experienced partner and his mistakes sometimes over shadow his good points as a result. Average tonight 5/10
Damion Stewart
His worst game since joining in the summer. I don’t think poor Damion even knew what day it was let alone who we were playing against. Steve Howard won every header and like Rehman i feel Stewpeas needs a mentor.
3/10
Marc Bircham
Another player who has grown in confidence since the arrival of John Gregory and fulfils the role intended. Sometimes gives away silly balls but his efforts of late have been noted. 6/10
Jimmy Smith
This kid in time could become the new Frank Lampard as he has vision and guile with an engine to boot. Scored yet another spectacular goal tonight but his effort was sadly over shadowed by the result. Looked a bit weiry during the second half but great potential. 6/10
Lee Cook
Lee is having a terrific season and is turning in consistent displays to be in the running for Player of the Year. Caused Derby constant problems during the first half but was heavily guarded in the second period.
7/10
Martin Rowlands
Rowlie is getting back to his best and his fitness is nearly there. An important part of the QPR jigsaw this season if Rangers are to fight their way clear of relegation. Looked a bit jaded as the second half wore on but never gave up the chase. 6/10
Dexter Blackstock
Young Dexter will no doubt prove to be a good buy for the R’s and has shown recently what a threat he is. Tonight was not the best from the lad but showed some moments of danger and should have been awarded a penalty and could have scored with a few headers tonight but sadly it was not to be. 6/10
Ray Jones
Almost an unknown last year, Ray Jones is proving to be a great credit and example to the youth set up at Loftus Road. Jones tonight showed moments of intelligent play but gradually wilted as the night went on and lost his way. 5/10
Scott Donnelly
This being Scott’s first appearance of the season and found it hard to get into the game when he came on to replace Lomas in the last 9 minutes. 4/10
Kevin Gallen
Really did not make much impact when he replaced Jones with 19 minutes left. Lacks match fitness and one wonders about his long term future at LR?
4/10
Manager Rating
John Gregory – Would have learnt much about his team tonight and what needs repairing in the weeks ahead. Needs to address the defence and quickly and fitness is still an issue. On the night he just about picked the right team and has certainly inspired a few dead ducks in recent weeks. 6/10
Opponent Rating
Billy Davies – Made suitable changes from their 3-1 thumping on Sunday against Plymouth and made substitutions at the right time. He has some decent players at his disposal but this Derby team won’t set the world on fire this season but on the night he got it right. He does whinge too much for my liking though!!
7/10