Only a few weeks ago, QPR fans were down in the dumps. It seemed nothing could lift them. Since John Gregory took over no less than 11 days ago all that has changed and the R`s faithful are literally bouncing their way up the table as demonstrated across the away end today in jubilant fashion!!
The Rangers boss has been quick to address the energy levels of the players and it seems that Nick Ward is maybe one of those players who is not quite up to scratch yet. Clearly the player has talent but has only been showing occasional glimpses since the start of the season. Mauro Milanese once again was also missing from the squad despite our lack of left sided defenders and it seems the Italian could be one for the exit sooner rather than later?
Gareth Ainsworth and Egutu Oliseh were in contention but Gregory felt that he wanted to keep faith with the majority of the players who grabbed the vital win over Hull last week. However, Kevin Gallen did make the cut and grabbed a place on the bench with new signing Jimmy Smith.
The game had hardly got going and some people were still taking to their seats before Licka threaded a cross for Jermaine Wright to mis-hit slightly from 4yards and fool Jones before it hit the net with only 95 secs of the game gone.
The early goal gave the Saints the perfect start and immediately took a grip of the game while Rangers were mere passengers for the opening 20mins. Highly rated left back Gareth Bale nearly made it 2-0 after 12 mins when his fizzing shot was turned round the post by R`s keeper Paul Jones. At this stage many R`s fans would have been happy to nick a point and call time on the match but the script had hardly been written yet?
The best effort QPR could muster in the opening exchanges was a rasping 20 yard shot from Martin Rowlands before Matthew Rose seemed to fall awkwardly after clearing the ball and seemed to aggravate his hip or back and was substituted for tall centre back Pat Kanyuka after 25mins. This change saw the defence re-shape like last week with Marcus Bignot swapping to left back and Zesh Rehman switching to right back. Just like last week this also seemed to make the defence look more self assured and the turning point of the game was born!
Southampton for all their early pressure and dominance could not seem to find another goal to potentially kill off the match and Rangers grew in confidence with Lee Cook causing all sorts of problems down the left flank. Indeed it was superb jinxing run from Cook that supplied the equalizer after 34mins. After eluding several Saints players, Cook delivered a delicious cross for Dexter Blackstock to rise and head home from close range.
At the time it seemed slightly against the run of play but after that there was only one team in this match and it was Rangers all the way. Gregory`s boys stepped up anther gear and the likes of Rowlands, Stewart and Jones were relishing the match and it was England Under-19 international Ray Jones who put the Hoops in front on the 40th minute.
Saints keeper Kelvin Davis had an opportunity to clear the ball after a pass back but got caught napping on the ball and Jones robbed him of the ball and showed extreme maturity in despatching a side foot shot into an empty net from a very acute angle which sent the 1500 travelling R`s fans wild and it completely silenced the home fans into submission.
Half time came too early as Rangers continued to impose themselves but the second period started off the way the first half ended which was for Rangers to continue to step up the work rate and prevent Southampton from any real space to get back into the game despite a late desperate surge in the final 15mins.
Damion Stewart was outstanding in defence and dealt with every challenge that came his way. Pat Kanyuka continues to show why he will have a bright future at QPR with another faultless display despite a few odd occasions when his slightly laid back stance made you think he might just gift someone the ball. Martin Rowlands showed incredible energy levels today and ran his socks off. Lee Cook is having a great season and was a constant threat all day for Southampton and they very rarely had an idea how to stop him. The front two pairing of Jones and Blackstock is really starting to develop into something special. Jones is growing with confidence in every match and shows great feet at times and maturity and Blackstock has this confident swagger about him to suggest he will score a fair amount of goals this season.
There are still improvements to be made but the belief is flowing back into the veins of the players and the work rate shown today was immense. With rumours that John Gregory could be dipping into the loan market again next week with the possibility of a defender arriving at Loftus Road then you can`t help but feel that things are shaping up nicely!
Player Ratings
Paul Jones
Fairly safe hands today and sound. 7/10
Marcus Bignot
Great energy levels but sometimes his final delivery lacked becuase of his left foot not being his main asset
6/10
Matthew Rose
Similar to Bignot but looked far from happy which suggests he was not match fit today. 5/10
Zesh Rehman
Satisfactory performance from Zesh. Coped well enough.
6/10
Damion Stewart
Soild commanding performance. Won every header.
8/10
Stefan Bailey
Satisfactory. Grew in confidence after spending the opening 25mins running around quite a bit without imposing himself in the match.
6/10
Marc Bircham
Similar to Stefan Bailey but did enough to come out of the game with much credit.
6/10
Martin Rowlands
Very workman like performance and chased the game all day. Not so effective as a winger but was involved in most of the good things about today.
7/10
Lee Cook
Was on great form and his trickery worried the Saints all game. Great fitness levels to note and another great assist for Blackstock’s goal.
8/10
Ray Jones
Growing with confidence with every match and could be a real star for the future. Showed great composure to score from a very difficult angle.
7/10
Dexter Blackstock
Showing why Rangers forked out £500k for this lad. Good control with his feet and chest. A star in the making…watch this space!!!
8/10
Pat Kanyuka
A product of the youth development at Loftus Road and is making the most of his oppertunities when given the chance. Shows maturity beyond his teenage years.
7/10
Steve Lomas
Did everything that was expected of him when he came on for the final 30mins. Broke up the play well and showed good leadership qualities.
7/10
Very attack minded player and was desperate to get onto the end of every attack. Showed great energy and pace and helped Rangers keep control of the game with surging runs.
6/10
Manager Rating
John Gregory – Excellent. Even better that he refused to comment after the match. Don’t you just love his arrogance!!!
9/10
Opponent Rating
George Burley – Under estimated Rangers today and paid the price.
5/10