QPR's 100% Start Continues! Victory at Swindon - Reports and Comments

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QPR (wearing black), playing with a pretty strong team, came from behind to win 3-2 at Swindon (wearing red)

QPR Official Site - Swindon 2 QPR 3

Rangers booked their place in the next round of the Carling Cup, with a hard-fought yet fully deserved win over a spirited Swindon Town.

Goals from Angelo Balanta, Dexter Blackstock and Damien Delaney saw Iain Dowie's men advance to round two at the expense of the League One outfit.

To their credit though, Maurice Malpas' side competed valiantly throughout and had led 2-1 at one stage, thanks to goals from Simon Cox and Billy Paynter.

But Rangers were good value for their victory, with the outstanding Emmanuel Ledesma and fellow midfielder Daniel Parejo inspirational throughout.

Dowie rang the changes following the comeback win over Barnsley at the weekend, as Matthew Connolly, Damion Stewart and Angelo Balanta returned to the starting XI, whilst Real Madrid loanee Parejo swapped the bench for a start at the expense of Gavin Mahon.

Stewart joined Kaspars Gorkss in the heart of defence, with Connolly coming in for Peter Ramage, who dropped to the bench.

In attack, Balanta joined Dexter Blackstock, with Patrick Agyemang making way.

Swindon included the experienced Lilian Nalis in their midfield; the Frenchman signing recently after his release from Plymouth Argyle.

A cagey start from both teams was almost brought to life by Gorkss's header back across goal, which narrowly evaded everyone in the Swindon box.

Livewire Ledesma saw his shot deflected off Yinka Casal and from the resultant corner, Blackstock shot straight at Peter Brezovan.

Rangers were asserting their influence, but it was Sean Morrison who almost caught the R's out at the other end, with a free header which flew narrowly wide.

Despite a series of corners, the R's just could not find a way through.

Remarkably, it was Swindon who almost opened the scoring on the quarter hour, when Lee Camp was forced to dive at full stretch to tip Paynter's dipping volley wide.

Smooth build up play from Daniel Parejo and then Ledesma released Connolly down the right moments later, but his cross-come-shot was well saved.

Blackstock went close again as the ever improving Ledesma played him in, but after a neat turn, his shot was again saved well by the inspired Brezovan.

Ledesma and Blackstock combined again a minute later, with the latter sending a looping header just over the Robins' bar.

A foul on Balanta gave Parejo a chance to exhibit his free-kick prowess and he did not fail to disappoint, forcing yet another good save from the overworked Swindon stopper.

Mikele Leigertwood got in on the act with a long range shot soon after, before Ledesma fired wide again from range.

Blackstock missed a glaring chance 15 minutes before the break, as he pounced on a loose ball, only to misplace his pass, with Balanta and Lee Cook unmarked in the penalty area.

The R's were knocking on the door and their reward arrived in the 33rd minute, when Parejo's corner was helped on by skipper Damien Delaney at the near post and Balanta tapped home from two-yards.

Swindon heads did not drop though, as they equalised moments later, when a hopeful cross fell to Cox, who swivelled expertly before firing past Camp.

Ledesma then had two chances to recapture the visitors' lead, with a low shot that shaved the post, and then from a one-on-one opportunity which saw Brezovan come out on top.

The Hoops were finding the home keeper in imperious form as they continued to dominate.

Rangers should've been out of sight at half-time, but minutes after Ledesma nodded wide, Anthony McNamee's sublime cross found Paynter, who headed home expertly from eight yards.

Parejo smashed a free-kick against the post on the stroke of half-time, but Rangers - to the amazement of the 2,000-plus R's fans - trailed at the break.

The travelling faithful did not have to wait too long to see the R's equalise though, as Blackstock nodded home Cook's delightful centre inside the opening 60 seconds of the second period, to put Dowie's men on level terms

Rangers were rampant and Leigertwood nearly made it 3-2 a minute later, with a right footed drive that faded away from goal, after Ledesma's neat knockdown.

The Argentine played provider again seven minutes later, as captain for the night Delaney fired home from ten yards with a cool finish after Ledesma's corner was only half cleared.

Balanta then tested Brezovan with a rasping 20-yard shot after excellent control from a long chipped pass from Gorkss.

With 20 minutes left, Blackstock made way for young Italian Samuel Di Carmine, making his debut following a one-match suspension.

As the clocked ticked down, Rangers continued to pose a greater attacking threat, with Parejo's enticing corner kick hacked off his own line by Robins left back Jack Smith.

Five minutes of added time failed to produce any further chances of note, as Rangers ran down the clock to seal their place in the hat for round two.

Swindon Town: Brezova, Smith, Timlin (Easton 74), Aljofree, McGovern (Peacock 84), McNamee, Casal, Nalis, Paynter, Morrison, Cox.
Subs: Smith, Joyce, Kennedy, Allen, Amankwaah.
Goals: Cox 34, Paynter 42

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Leigertwood, Parejo, Blackstock (Di Carmine 69), Gorkss, Connolly, Cook, Balanta, Ledesma (Alberti 78).
Subs: Cerny, Agyemang, Bolder, Ramage, Ainsworth.
Goals: Balanta 33, Blackstock 46, Delaney 53
Bookings: Connolly 31, Ledesma 58, Balanta 90
Referee: Mr R J Beeby
Attendance: 7, 230
QPR


SWINDON OFFICIAL SITE - Town Slip To Narrow Defeat

Town made a solid start to the game with Anthony McNamee picking up from where he had left off against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. The winger put in several early balls and Jon-Paul McGovern almost made the most of one centre, although Lee Camp was alert in the Rangers goal to claim.

Iain Dowie saw his side soon on the attack. Backed by well over a thousand travelling supporters, Mikele Leigertwood saw his ball in from the right headed behind by Smith. Emmanuel Ledesma then saw his effort deflected round for a corner before Blackstock's volley was denied by Brezovan in the ninth minute.

Town then made a quick escape from their own half with Jon-Paul McGovern's centre finding Morrison who headed narrowly wide from close range.

QPR were soon back on the attack with a flurry of corners putting Town under further pressure in front of the Stratton Bank.

Swindon saw Simon Cox's flicked effort deflected over from close range. The resulting corner eventually saw Paynter bring a flying save out of Camp, with the Town front man showing excellent technique from 16 yards.

Damien Delaney then saw his powerful run end with a close range save from Brezovan with QPR pushing for the opener with 19 minutes on the clock. Blackstock then brought another save out of Brezovan after the former Oxford striker had got a shot away inside the area after bustling his way though.

Ledesma then brought yet another save out of Brezovan with a rasping free-kick from outside the box which the Town stopper punched away from the top corner. It was Ledesma again at the heart of the action on 28 minutes as his drive flew inches wide.

The visitors took the lead on 32 minutes. After sustained pressure from the visitors a corner saw the ball whipped into the box with Angelo Balanta on hand to finish from close range.

The lead lasted just sixty seconds with Swindon seeing an immediate attack turn into a goal. Simon Cox's predatory skills saw him lash the ball home past Camp to make it 1-1.

Town continued to battle away with Timlin and Nalis showing tremendous endeavour at the heart of the midfield.

Town celebrate their second

It was Swindon who took the lead on 42 minutes, After Nalis had sent McNamee away down the left, his cross was met by Paynter whose diving header flew past Camp from ten yards.

Swindon had another good chance for McNamee at the start of added time but he could only shoot straight at keeper Lee Camp and there was just time for a QPR corner but the ball went straight out for a goal-kick so half time arrived with Swindon in front..

Half-Time: Town 2 QPR 1

The visitors took just 35 seconds of the new half to draw level. A cross from the left was met by Blackstock who stooped to head past Brezovan to make it 2-2.

It was a dream start for Iain Dowie and his side who had been rattled before the break, but the goal offered them added composure going into the majority of the second period.

It was QPR who added the vital third goal with 54 minutes on the clock. After Aljofree had closed the ball down for a corner, the ball was centred with Damian Delaney on hand to slide the ball through a ruck of players into the back of the net.

Town had the ball in the net on 59 minutes with a left footed strike from Nalis poked home by Cox, only for the goal to be ruled out by the offside flag.

QPR continued to press with Angelo Balanta seeing his drive from just outside the box well held by Brezovan in the Town goal in front of the Town End.

Anthony McNamee's positivity going forward was impressive and the winger set up several attacks as the clock ticked past 70 minutes.

Manager Maurice Malpas made his first change of the evening on 74 minutes with Craig Easton entering the fray in place of Michael Timlin, who had put in another determined shift in the centre of midfield.

A superb right wing cross from Smith, who had overlapped McGovern, saw Delaney forced to put the ball behind for a corner. McGovern's centre found Nalis whose header looped narrowly over the bar with Swindon pushing for a third with ten to go.

Lee Peacock was introduced on 84 minutes with Jon-Paul McGovern making way with Town throwing three up front for the closing stages.

Swindon continued to press for the elusive equaliser but Rangers dogged defence were keeping them away from goal but there was a big roar from the home fans when the assistant referee indicated that five minutes of additional time would be played.

There was a corner to the Robins deep in added time but the ball was cleared straight to Jack Smith but his pass forward was cut out and the visitors attacked but were denied by some pacy running from Casal at the expense of a corner but Swindon held firm.

The final attack of a superb match resulted in a corner for Swindon but the Rangers defence cleared the ball just as the final whistle was blown.

.Full Time: Town 2 QPR 3

Goals: Bolanta '32, Cox '33, Paynter '42, Blackstock '46, Delaney '54

Attendance: 7,240

Swindon Town: Peter Brezovan; Jack Smith, Sean Morrison, Hasney Aljofree, Yinka Casal; Jon-Paul McGovern, Lilian Nalis, Michael Timlin, Anthony McNamee; Billy Paynter, Simon Cox

Substitutes: Phil Smith; Callum Kennedy, Lee Peacock, Ben Joyce, Craig Easton, Chris Allen, Kevin Amankwaah

QPR: Lee Camp; Damien Delaney (c), Damion Stewart, Mikele Leighterwood, Daniel Pajero, Dexter Blackstock, Kaspars Gorkss, Matthew Connelly, Lee Cook, Angelo Balanta, Emmanuel Ledesma

Substitutes: Radek Cerny; Patrick Agyemang, Adam Bolder, Peter Ramage, Matteo Alberti, Samuel Di Carmine, Gareth Ainsworth Swindon


QPR Official Site - CHARACTER BUILDING

Iain Dowie hailed the players character, after the R's eased in to round two with a dominant display against Swindon Town.

After creating a hatful of chances in the opening exchanges, Rangers opened the scoring through Angelo Balanta, before Simon Cox and Billy Paynter gave Swindon the lead, albeit against the run of play.

Rangers weren't to be denied though, and after Dexter Blackstock levelled matters inside the opening 60 seconds of the second period, the R's clinched victory thanks to Damien Delaney's neat finish.

"It was a performance of great character," Dowie told www.qpr.co.uk.

"It was a travesty that we trailed at half-time, but I told the lads I was proud of their first half display and to be fair to them, they kept at it in the second half."

Dowie added: "It was a proper Cup tie.

"Even the most ardent Swindon fan will admit that we deserved to be in front at the break.

"I counted 12 clear-cut opportunities we created and with a little bit more care and attention we would have been home and dry by the break."

Daniel Parejo debuted for the R's and Dowie was pleased with the Real Madrid loanees' contribution, commenting: "There were a lot of good performances out there and Dani was exceptional.

"Angelo was outstanding; Dani showed what he's all about; Mikele gave us everything; and Dexter worked tirelessly across the line. His goal was textbook."

Dowie concluded: "I think Swindon are a very good side and they will be a handful this year.

"I have to say though, that we were outstanding in the first half and we fully deserved our victory." QPR


SWINDON OFFICIAL SITE - MALPAS PRAISES TOWN EFFORT

Swindon Town boss Maurice Malpas praised the efforts of his side after a 3-2 defeat to QPR on Tuesday night.

A thrilling cup tie at The County Ground saw Town come from behind to go into the break 2-1 ahead thanks to goals from Simon Cox and Billy Paynter.

However, a quick-fire start to the second half from Iain Dowie's side was enough to secure a safe passage into the second round of the Carling Cup.

The manager spoke after the game, pleased with the commitment shown by his Robins side.

"Coxy pounced onto one and got another goal and we got back into it quickly. It was another striker's goal but unfortunately we couldn't go on and secure the victory in the second half," said the boss.

"Macca did well again and he is a player that's for sure. He drifts in and out a little bit but overall his performance was excellent.

"QPR went into the game as favourites but we gave it everything. Even at 3-2 down we looked like we could go and get a goal. We certainly have a bit of bite about the side."

The Town management have organised a reserve fixture on Wednesday afternoon with the second string taking on Southampton at the Saints' training ground.

"A few of the squad need a game. Some of them are coming back from injury whilst some need match action.

"Barry Corr will play, big Patrick will get a game because it is important that we get everyone fit going into Saturday's game at Cheltenham."

Town celebrate Paynter's second

The next League One clash comes at Whaddon Road with the Town boss eager for his side to get back to winning ways at the first attempt.

"We will go away and see how we go. The team that played tonight will have a day off tomorrow and then we will get back into training on Thursday.

"Cheltenham is another chance for the team to show what they can do and we are looking forward to it." Swindon


SPORTING LIFE - RANGERS RECOVER TO BEAT ROBINS

Left-back Damien Delaney proved to be the matchwinner as QPR won 3-2 at League One Swindon to reach the Carling Cup second round.
The Hoops had been behind at half-time but Iain Dowie's side turned the game around to get the victory.

Angelo Balanta stabbed the ball home after 32 minutes when Swindon failed to clear a corner.

But the home side equalised less than a minute later when Anthony McNamee crossed for Simon Cox to fire home from eight yards.

Swindon striker Billy Paynter gave his side a shock lead three minutes before the break when he headed home McNamee's cross from 12 yards to leave Rangers in disarray.

QPR struck back after the break when Lee Cook crossed for Dexter Blackstock to head home from close range within 30 seconds of the restart.

Rangers left-back Delaney then capitalised on Swindon's failure to clear a corner and fired home from 12 yards.

League One Swindon piled the pressure on their illustrious opposition but failed to take their chances and ended the match frustrated.

The best opportunity fell to Jon-Paul McGovern but his free-kick was well saved by Lee Camp in the Rangers goal. Sporting Life


This is Wiltshire/John Boyle - Swindon Town 2, QPR 3
Second half goals from Dexter Blackstock and Damion Delaney helped big-spending QPR come from behind to knock plucky Swindon out of the League Cup in a topsy-turvy first round clash.

Angelo Balanta's tap-in (32) had given Rangers the lead at the County Ground before Simon Cox's volley (34) and Billy Paynter header (42) put Town 2-1 up at half-time.

But striker Blackstock's header just seconds after the break and skipper Delaney's 54th minute strike fired Ian Dowie's Championship side through to the second round.

QPR started brightly and Emmanuel Ledesma's deflected 22-yard strike fizzed just wide before Blackstock's 12-yard volley flew straight at Swindon goalkeeper Peter Brezovan from Lee Cook's ninth minute cross.

But Town soon settled into their stride and Sean Morrison planted a free ten-yard header wide from Jon-Paul McGovern's inswinging corner before Cox's near post flick from Anthony McNamee's cross was deflected just wide.

Paynter's super 15-yard volley was tipped wide by flying QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp on the quarter of an hour mark before Matthew Connelly's angled drive was well held by Brezovan at the other end in the 20th minute.
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Rangers threatened again two minutes later when Blackstock wriggled free of Robins skipper Hasney Aljofree on the edge of the box but his 12-yard finish was too close to Brezovan.

The pacey Blackstock then looped a ten-yard header onto the roof of the net from Ledesma's deep cross.

And as the Championship side began to turn the screw, Ledesma's 20-yard free-kick was well saved by Brezovan before he and Blackstock fired long range efforts inches wide.

Blackstock went close again when he beat Brezovan to a long ball but, after nodding it past the Town stopper, the angle was too tight and his cross came to nothing.

But Angelo Balanta handed QPR a deserved lead in the 32nd minute when he bundled in on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Daniel Parejo's corner at the near post.

Swindon came back fighting and their efforts were rewarded when Cox equalised just two minutes later.

McNamee's cross was not properly defended by the QPR back-four and, after the ball had looped up into the air, Cox kept his eye on it superbly to swivel and volley low into the corner of the net from 12 yards.

The dangerous Ledesma broke the Robins offside trap but he was denied well one-on-one by Brezovan, before Paynter put Town ahead on the counter-attack at the other end three minutes before the break.

McNamee whipped in a teasing cross and Paynter produced a majestic 12-yard diving header to plant the ball low past Rangers goalkeeper Lee Camp and into the corner of the net.

Parejo curled a 25-yard free-kick against the outside of the post for QPR as Swindon clung on to their lead at the end of a breathless first half.

But Rangers didn't have to wait long to equalise as Blackstock made it 2-2 just 41 seconds into the second half, heading in Lee Cook's cross from six yards at the far post.

Skipper Delaney put QPR 3-2 up in the 54th minute when he fired in the loose ball from close range after Ledesma's corner was not dealt with by the Town defence.

Cox thought he's equalised for Swindon five minutes later but his tap-in from Lilian Nalis' shot was correctly ruled out for offside.

Moments later the towering Paynter's header from McNamee's cross shaved the far post as the Robins battled back gamely.

Swindon veteran Nalis glanced a seven-yard header over the bar from McGovern's corner in the 80th minute, before Delaney's strike from Parejo's corner was cleared off the goal-line by Jack Smith at the other end.

Aljofree fizzed a low 25-yard thunderbolt inches wide from McGovern's quick free-kick and Paynter's header shaved the post at the death as Town were left frustrated.

Swindon Town: Brezovan, J Smith, Timlin (Easton 75), Aljofree (c), McGovern (Peacock 84), McNamee, Casal, Nalis, Paynter, Morrison, Cox. Subs: P Smith, Easton, Joyce, Kennedy, Peacock, Allen, Amankwaah.

QPR: Camp, Delaney (c), Stewart, Leigertwood, Parejo, Blackstock (Di Carmine 70), Gorkss, Connelly (booked for foul 30), Cook, Balanta, Ledesma (booked for dissent 59) (Alberti 79). Subs: Cerny, Agyemang, Bolder, Ramage, Alberti, Di Carmine, Ainsworth.
Referee: Mr R J Beeby.
Attendance: 7,230. This is Wiltshire