QUEENS Park Rangers travelled to Oakwell more in hope than expectation with hosts Barnsley amongst the form sides in the Division.
Queens Park Rangers travelled to Oakwell more in hope than expectation with hosts Barnsley amongst the form sides in the Division.
Teams: Barnsley v Queens Park Rangers
Date: Saturday 9 October 1982
Competition: Football League Second Division
Ground: Oakwell
Rangers were looking to assert a useful start under Terry Venables as they currently sat in second place in the Second Division.
Building on solid foundation from the previous season the R’s boss took his side into what he’d hoped would be a season challenge the higher echelons of the division.
By comparison they faced a Barnsley side who had only been defeat once in their opening eight games of the season.
In particular they were undefeated at Oakwell with two wins coming from their three games at home against Burnley (3-0) and Fulham (4-3).
Rangers came off the back of two defeats all season, which included both a loss away at Newcastle (0-1) and at home to Sheffield Wednesday (0-2).
Two wins from their last three however against Burnley (3-2) and Leicester City (1-0) bosltered their league position to a solid second place behind leaders Wolves.
As a result of the useful win over the Clarets Rangers made only one change with Tony Sealy making way for stalwart striker Simon Stainrod.
It didn’t take long however for Stainrod to make his mark on the fixture as Venables men were incensed after being reduced to ten men.
Stainrod was dismissed for two bookable offences, the first for dissent and he was ultimately given his marching orders by referee Raymond Chadwick after jumping into goalkeeper Barry Horn.
Chadwick bided his time while Stainrod received treatment on his back before sending him on his way.
Ultimately however it was the R’s who took advantage in a full blooded affair after current Mick McCarthy lost the ball in midfield, striker Clive Allen was on hand to take advantage giving Rangers a priceless goal.
Rangers defended stoutly as Terry Venables trademark offside trap was a joy to behold as Barnsley never threatened to test Rangers stopper Peter Hucker. Rangers took the three points in a toughly fought game in which Waddock, Gregory and Ian Stewart were singled out for praise.
Proud manager Venables stated: ‘That must be our best performance since I joined Rangers two years ago. I was proud of them all – they were absolutely superb.
‘It’s no mean feat to come to Barnsley and win after playing with ten men for an hour – they’re a bloody good team and they thrashed us last season (3-0 May 1982)’
Only one defeat in 15 ensued towards the culmination of the campaign as Rangers cruised ahead of fellow promoted side Wolves and into Division One.
The R’s finished ten points clear of their nearest rivals as Venables men would play top flight football again after a four year exodus.
Final Score: Barnsley 1-0 Queens Park Rangers
Attendance: 13270
Barnsley: Horn, Law, Chambers, Glavin, Banks, McCarthy, Souter, Parker, Cunningham, Ronson, Birch (Barrowclough 65).
QPR: Hucker, Neill, Dawes, Waddock, Hazell, Fenwick, Micklewhite, Stewart, Allen (Wilkins 79), Stainrod, Gregory.
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See also: QPR 1-0 Barnsley – 12-12-1981
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