Austin Powers R's to Victory 2

Yeovil 0-1 QPR

QPR went three points clear at the top of the Championship, with another hard fought 1-0 win, this time, away at Yeovil..

I left home just after 10am to travel to Maidenhead to hook up with Jenson and PK, then later, Trev. With the forecast for much improved weather, I was almost sure I was going to wear shorts for the trip to Somerset, especially as Trev had convinced me that where he lived in Winnersh was bathed in sunshine. There was certainly a feeling I had been had as it remained dull and overcast until we hooked up with Trev at the Winnersh cinema. Gladly, PK joined me, also sporting shorts.

We decided to avoid the A303 past Stone Henge and went in via junction 17 in the M4, which proved to be a wise decision ( and Jenson was certainly living up to his nickname) as there were reports of heavy delays in the area for the same old, let's all drive slowly so we can have a look traffic.  Lee later confirmed this as we all arrived at about 2pm. After a brief catch up, Lee, Jess, Sam, Luke, PK and Trev took their places on the terraces, whilst myself and Jenson went for the seats as we had managed to get a couple of players comps.

We were discussing on the way down that this could potentially be a banana skin and 2000 R's fans took their place in a tight, but neat and tidy little stadium.

After a nervous start from both sides, Rangers had a great chance on 9 minutes but Matt Phillips finish was disappointingly dragged wide. The home side responded and the impressive Rob Green was brought into action, saving low down from Grant's effort. Austin went close for the R's moments later. but after being found on the right from Traore, his effort smashed the side netting.

Make no mistake, Yeovil were well up for this and just before the break, Green was at his best again, pushing Liam Davis effort round the post following a bit of a scramble in the box.

Green was in action again early in the second half, firstly turning behind Ralls effort and shortly after, standing firm to beat away a powerful effort from Davis. At the other end, Austin found himself some space before firing a 25 yard effort just wide. But try as they might, Yeovil found Rob Green in superb form, who this time denied Williams.

The deadlock was broken with 15 minutes to go, Austin bulldozed his way into the box before being pulled to the ground, up went the linesman's flag and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Austin picked himself up before sending the giant former Wolves keeper, Wayne Hennessey, the wrong way..

Yeovil then brought on the huge figure that was Michael Ngoo, on loan from Liverpool for the final ten minutes and although he was a huge presence, he wasn't much of a footballer and he blasted the home sides final chance harmlessly wide as Rangers held on..


Man of the Match

Almost a clean sweep, with only Trev differing from the rest of us and opting for Charlie Austin. As for the rest of, it was very hard to look any further than a superb and commanding display from Rangers No 1, Rob Green.

Queens Park Rangers

• 01 Green
• 02 Simpson
• 05 Dunne
• 06 Hill
• 39 Assou-Ekotto
• 10 Carroll
• 16 Jenas
• 36 O'Neil (Barton - 77' )
• 03 Traore (Wright-Phillips - 60' )
• 07 Phillips (Kranjcar - 69' )
• 09 Austin

Substitutes

• 26 Murphy
• 28 Ehmer
• 11 Wright-Phillips
• 17 Barton
• 19 Kranjcar
• 20 Henry
• 32 Faurlin

Awayday Pie Rating

From the seats, myself and Jenson could not fault the Pasty and did not hesitate with a perfect 10 vote. Another 10 came from Lee for the Chicken Curry Pie, which was also consumed by PK, who dropped a mark as he said it was hot and difficult to eat on the football terrace - 9.

Giving the Yeovil Pies and excellent rating of 9.75/10

In summary, yet again it was hardly a vintage performance from the R's but a win is a win and not for the first time, the spirit of this current R's side saw them cross the line. But I have to be honest, Yeovil didn't deserve to lose this and will no doubt feel very unlucky that they didn't get something from the game, but hey, we will certainly take that. It must be a warning for the rest of the Championship surely, that we are 3 points clear at the top and we really haven't played anywhere near as well as we are capable of...

Sadly at the end of the game, we didn't get to leave until 6.45pm as a fatal accident nearby led to road closures in the area. Of course, our thoughts are with those involved and credit also must be given to the Yeovil stewards for keeping everyone informed with what was going on and indeed, keeping everyone calm, well done guys.

With Anniversary celebrations to get back for, a nervous Jenson impressively got us back to Maidenhead at around 8.30pm. I had a further hour or so back from there making it a very long day, but was well worth it and was a very enjoyable football day out with the gang.

Lee will return next weekend as the R's take on Middlesbrough to hopefully extend our stay at the Top of the League, by which time, we may have either Carlton Cole or Harry Kane on board to help our thread bare forward line, just rumours at this stage of course.

Come on you R'ssssssssssss!!!