The Eph-ing party is getting started.

Today Rangers' travelled to Doncaster in search of their first win there since 1951, could they beat another hoodoo this season or would Doncaster gatecrash the R's party as the business end to the season really starts hotting up? All is about to be revealed.......

The group had one of the best turn outs today as myself, Sam, Jess, Callun made our way over to Jenson's house and jumped into his car before whizzing of to pick up Smithy and then finally Lofty. We set away from Hemel at just past 11.30.
With us all crammed into the seven seater there were times that comfort became an issue but we braved through it but as we got within half an hour of Doncaster we had to quickly pull into the hard shoulder as Sam was feeling very sick and launched herself out of the car and getting some fresh air to settle her down. As we stood on the hard shoulder with Lofty and Callun making the most of the break by enjoying a sneaky fag or two, Smithy then got out the car and walked up the hard shoulder before bring sick on the roadside.
We put all our predictions down as we had three debutants in the game so there was every chance that the prize money was going to make its way into a new pair of hands.
We arrived at our car park in Donny at 1.30 with another passenger feeling sick and having a cramped up thigh, quite an eventful journey!
We made our way into the stadium for a cheeky beer, pie and a few bets.
We met up with Clingy, Michael, Fiona and Debbie.
Iceman, Nik and Luke just made kick as they were stuck in traffic in a taxi. I made the late dash down from my seat to hand over the match ticket to Iceman and he took his seat just in time for kick off.
The news that Adel Taarabt was missing from the squad was slowly filtering through to everyone with several rumours flying around. It was confirmed later on that there was a family tragedy, our thoughts go out to the Taarabt family.

With Adel missing for the squad the starting place went to Hogan Ephraim. Patrick Agyemang returned to the bench as Ishmael Miller dropped out.



The first half wasn't the greatest halves of football that I have ever witnessed so I can keep the round up short and sweet.
Rangers' were comfortable to say the least. Doncaster created few chances and in fairness chances were rare throughout the first 45 minutes.
The R's best chance came when Tommy Smith's shot had to be turned around the post with Rangers' first real shot of the half 20 minutes in.
Doncaster's best chance came during a a scramble in the box as Hayter's shot deflected off of Fitz Hall and onto the outside of the post and wide........ for a goal kick.
Doncaster did finish the stronger of the sides but 0-0 was a very fair reflection on a not so entertaining game of football.

At half time the gang met up on the concourse for a wuick natter about the half, it didn't last very long as there wasn't anything to talk about. Me and Luke did however come to the conclusion that Hogan needed to come off at somepoint as we were not impressed with his opening 45 minutes.



We got to our seats in time for the start of the second half and within three minutes we had the first goal of the game.
Ephraim had the ball down the R's left and got deep into the Donny penalty area before cutting back onto his right foot and found the far corner with a neat curling shot that evaded the fingertips of Woods in the Donny goal.
The goal did spur Rangers' on and they enjoyed a good 15 minute spell afterwards.
Heidar Helguson was gifted a great opportunity to double the lead as a beautiful cross found him at the far post but his header went wide of the far post.
Rangers' continued to look comfortable as Alejandro Faurlin ran the show in centre midfield, he was at the heart of every R's move and was also there to block the Donny attacking presence.
Donny did have us pretty nervy for the final five minutes plus added time but it proved to be too little too late as the R's held out to secure another crucial three points.



This really was a comfortable three points for the R's as Doncaster looked a shadow of the side that has previously played sides off the park and it looks as if injuries have taken their toll on the squad as they are a much better side than this performance showed.
Having said that the R's still had to be professional and get the job done.

Man of the Match had two candidates put forward. Fitz Hall was solid at the heart of the Rangers' defence and once again the chosen one is Alejandro Faurlin. He's been superb as of late and is really showing what a quality player he is.



Doncaster Rovers: Woods, Friend, Martis, Stock, Hayter (Euell 75), Moussa, Oster (Mason 67), Gillett (Dumbuya 84), Mills, Hird, Coppinger.

Subs: Sullivan, Wilson, Shiels, Kilgallon.

QPR: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry, Hall, Helguson (Hulse 80), Faurlin, Gorkss, Routledge, Smith, Ephraim (Buzsaky 63).

Subs: Cerny, Agyemang, Vaagan Moen, Chimbonda, Shittu.

Goals: Ephraim (47)

Referee: Mr P N Gibbs

Attendance: 11, 747

For the journey home we swapped a few places in the back seat to make things a little more comfortable for all of us.
With me being right at the back of the car I didn't really hear much of what was said with everyone so I sat back and enjoyed Jess' company.
However what I did hear is the result of the prediction competition. It all went down to the final two evening games as myself and Smithy were separated by only two points. It was decided when the final whistle went at Everton and secured me victory and finally claiming a prize for the first time in ages.