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[Being updated!]
QPR 2 Southend 0.
After six long months or approximately 262,974 minutes, Garry Waddock's QPR get a win!
Not having won since late February - and not having won at Loftus Road, since his initial game in charge, Gary Waddock's team should be savouring beating Southend today.
Hopefully in true football-fashion, QPR will now go on a run...
Current League Table
WADDOCK'S POST-MATCH COMMENTS
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
BELIEF IS BACK
Gary Waddock believes the 'belief is back' amongst the squad after the 2-0 victory against Southend United.
"Two goals; a clean sheet; and three points - it's a fantastic feeling tonight.
"It's been a long time in coming, but the players deserved everything they got today.
"The belief is back amongst the squad and it's just fantastic.''
Waddock was delighted with the application of his side in the first half, commenting: "At this level we can't expect to dominate for the 90 minutes, but we won the game in the first half.
"Southend are a good side - make no mistake about that - but for 45 minutes we totally outplayed them in every department.
"The three points is just reward for a fantastic first half display from the lads.''
The gaffer also paid tribute to the new-look front two of debutant Dexter Blackstock and Ray Jones.
"The way Dexter and Ray gelled was unbelievable when you consider they've only had one training session together.
"There's still a lot more to come from them both, but it was so encouraging. Dexter had a super debut and is a handful to deal with for defenders. Ray has bags of potential and is certainly one to watch in the future.
A wonder-goal from Martin Rowlands and a first goal in English football from Nicky Ward helped seal the 2-0 victory - to the delight of Waddock.
"Rowly's goal was an absolute gem and it was great for Nicky to open his account.''
Official Site
SOUTHEND MANAGER, TILSON POST MATCH COMMENTS
Southend Official Site - TILSON LEARNS HIS LESSON
Steve Tilson considers where things went wrong
Steve Tilson was pleased with Southend's second half fightback at QPR, but admitted you can't afford to give team's two goal leads at this level.
The Blues controlled the majority of the second half and had several great chances to pull themselves back into the match, only to be constantly thwarted in front of goal.
"We didn't pass the ball well enough in the first half," Steve told World TV.
"It's a great strike for their first goal and then just before half time we concede a second from a deep cross.
"I'm not sure if it's a foul on Flavs, but he has five stitches above his eye.
"Freddy went up with their goalkeeper in the second half and the referee blows for a foul, so it is difficult to call.
"He's okay though and should be ready for next Saturday against Sunderland."
Tilson took many positives from the team's response though, as the team still adjust to life in the Championship.
"I was really pleased with our response in the second half and me and Brushy counted seven decent chances," he said.
"Their goalkeeper has made two fantastic saves from Luke and Jamal, and Freddy should have scored as well.
"If Luke's chance had gone in five minutes into the second half then we are right back in the match.
"We knew it would be tough this year and I think we have played well, but you can't afford to give teams 2-0 leads at this level."
Southend Official Site
PRE-GAME SOUTHEND STEVE TILSON: COMMENTS:
"QPR will be under a little bit of pressure, as they have only got one point out the first two games, so we have to go there and be positive. "If we come away with one point that will be a good result, but we'll go there looking for all three. "We go into every game looking for three points, but it's going to be a tough test."
Southend Official Site
BBC - QPR 2-0 Southend
Ward scored for the first time since his summer move from Perth Glory
Martin Rowlands and Nick Ward scored as QPR resisted a second-half resurgence from Championship new-boys Southend to register their first win of the season.
The hosts were rampant in the first 45, with Lee Cook, Gareth Ainsworth and new signing Dexter Blackstock going close.
And they got their reward when Rowlands lashed into the roof of the net from 25 yards, before Ward tapped in a second.
However, Southend came out fighting and but for wasteful finishing from Freddy Eastwood, might have got something.
The in-form striker's best chance of many came when he latched onto Lee Bradbury's pass to run in on goal, but Paul Jones blocked his goal-bound effort late in the second half.
But the hosts deserved their victory, if only for their first-half performance when Blackstock twice forced keeper Darryl Flahavan into action and Ainsworth saw a 25-yarder tipped wide.
Rangers finally went in front in the 31st minute when Rowlands latched onto Cook's short free-kick to lash home, before Ward met Ray Jones' knock-back to tap in for his first QPR goal 10 minutes later.
And despite continuing to create chances in a pulsating second half, the hosts were grateful for that two-goal lead as Eastwood got behind their defence on several occasions, though the 22-year-old's usual coolness abandoned him at Loftus Road.
BBC
Sporting Life/PA Sports
QPR 2 Southend 0
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Click here for full match stats
QPR tasted victory for the first time since February 25 after comfortably disposing of Southend.
First-half goals from Martin Rowlands and Australian Nick Ward - his first for the club - enabled Rangers to register their first win of the season and only their third since Gary Waddock took charge seven months ago.
Youngster Ray Jones - making his first start - new signing Dexter Blackstock and Gareth Ainsworth all missed chances for the home side, while Southend's star forward Freddy Eastwood wasted two good second-half opportunities.
QPR gave debuts to defender Zesh Rehman and forward Blackstock, who were signed in midweek from Fulham and Southampton respectively, while Southend were unchanged for the third straight game.
A minute's silence was held before kick-off in memory of Kiyan Prince, the 15-year-old Rangers youth-team player who was killed after a fight outside his school earlier this year.
With less than 60 seconds on the clock, Blackstock was booked by referee Iain Williamson, who ruled he had dived on the edge of the penalty area under pressure from Adam Barrett.
But in the 12th minute, Blackstock almost opened his Rangers account when he collected a return pass from Jones and hit a rising shot from eight yards that Darryl Flahavan did well to push over.
Rangers went in front in the 31st minute when Lee Cook took a short free-kick to Rowlands, who struck a ferocious shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards.
Life got even better for Rangers when Jones beat Flahavan in the air to Gareth Ainsworth's right-wing cross, and Ward was there to touch the ball over the line from a yard.
To make matters worse for Southend, Flahavan was injured in the clash and had to be replaced by reserve goalkeeper Steve Collis.
Southend pushed forward at the start of the second half and forced Paul Jones to make his first save, a sharp parry to keep out Luke Guttridge's close-range effort.
But QPR's pace enabled them to threaten on the break. Ray Jones' shot was pushed around the near post after neat work from Cook and Blackstock, the same player then hit the bar with a wayward cross, and Ainsworth mis-kicked eight yards out following some excellent interplay between Ward and Jones.
Southend should have pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute but Eastwood headed Mark Gower's cross wide from close range under pressure from Paul Jones.
Nine minutes from full-time, Eastwood looked odds-on to score after evading Jones, but his hooked effort was deflected behind by Damion Stewart.
Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
A goal apiece from Martin Rowlands and Nicky Ward helped the R's clinch their first win in 14 attempts.
Rangers sealed their first three point haul since February 25th with a superb first half display against the Shrimpers.
An unstoppable free-kick from Rowlands and a first goal in English football from Ward gave the R's a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.
Rowlands made it two goals in as many games at Loftus Road with a stunning 31st minute strike.
Arriving on to Lee Cook's lay off, the centre midfielder gave the otherwise exemplary Darryl Flahavan absolutely no chance.
Ward made it two just before the break, firing home from inside the six-yard box after Ray Jones' initial knock-down.
In truth the two goal margin flattered Steve Tilson's men, who played second fiddle to the R's for the entire half.
Southend offered a greater threat in the second half, but it was Rangers who deservedly clinched maximum points, to the delight of another partisan home crowd.
Gary Waddock handed debuts to new signings Dexter Blackstock and Zesh Rehman, with Marcus Bignot and Steve Lomas making way.
Ray Jones started in place of Adam Czerkas up-front, in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation.
Blackstock's debut got off to the worst possible start though, when he picked up a yellow card inside the opening 10 seconds.
After linking up superbly with strike partner Jones, Blackstock jinked past two Shrimpers defenders before being bundled to ground on the edge of the box.
All and sundry thought that the referee had awarded a QPR free-kick, but Mr Williamson thought otherwise, awarding Southend the decision, and booking Blackstock for diving.
Undeterred, it was Rangers who created the first opening of the match on seven minutes.
After Ward's solo run was ended by a rash Kevin Maher challenge, Lee Cook's resultant 25 yard free-kick finished inches wide of Flahavan's left hand post.
Blackstock was clearly relishing his Loftus Road debut and after linking up magnificently with Ward, and then Jones, the former Southampton striker saw his stinging 12-yard strike tipped over the bar by Flahavan.
The understanding between the two front-men was a real joy to watch, as Rangers picked up from where they left off against Leeds United on Tuesday night.
It was that man Blackstock who created the next R's chance on 13 minutes, out-pacing Simon Francis down the left flank, only to see his pull back come to nothing thanks to an excellent piece of defending from Shrimpers centre half Adam Barrett.
Goalkeepers are often referred to as clowns and Flahavan had a moment of madness on 17 minutes, racing off his line to clear, only to totally miss-kick. Jones pounced on the loose ball, but his weak effort flew wide of the far post.
Cook was getting the better of his battle with Shrimpers right back Francis and when Blackstock laid the ball out wide, the winger lashed a ferocious shot which Flahavan did well to hold on to at his near post.
With Southend struggling to find any fluency in their play, the one-way traffic continued, with Gareth Ainsworth forcing Flahavan into yet another stunning save, diving full stretch to his left to keep out the R's skipper's fearsome 30-yard drive.
But for Flahavan, Southend would've been staring down the barrel of an embarrassing first half scoreline. The Shrimpers keeper was again on hand to spare the visitors' blushes in the 29th minute, this time holding onto Nicky Ward's curling 18-yard effort.
But Flahavan could do nothing when Rowlands stepped up to blast home an unstoppable free-kick in the 31st minute.
After Cook had tried and failed from 25-yards, Rowlands took centre stage, smashing home an early contender for goal of the season with a blistering strike that arrowed into the top left hand corner.
Blackstock almost got the goal his first half performance deserved when he arrived bang on cue to Cook's left wing cross, but Flahavan did magnificently well to gather at the strikers' feet, albeit at the second attempt.
Southend were made to wait until the 39th minute for their first chance of the match, with Francis curling a 25 yard shot well wide of Jones' right hand post.
Rangers got the second goal their performance warranted on 40 minutes and it was Ward who opened his account.
After Jones out-jumped Flahavan to Blackstock's right sided cross, the ball fell perfectly into the path of the Aussie midfielder, who tapped home from little more than a yard.
The Kangaroo celebration that followed was sheer class, just like the R's first half display.
Flahavan was forced from the fray as a result of Jones' challenge, rubbing further salt in the wound for the already depleted Shrimpers.
Some of the football was sensational and Jones almost made it three on the stroke of half-time, firing into the arms of Steve Collis.
Mark Gower and Cook went close for their respective sides in first half stoppage time, but it was the hosts who were the happier of the two teams as Mr Williamson brought the half to an end after four added minutes.
There was simply no let-up in the R's positive display and when Blackstock and Cook exchanged passes in the 47th minute, Jones stung the palms of Collis with a piercing 18 yard strike.
With Mauro Milanese receiving treatment for a head injury, Southend almost made their brief numerical advantage tell on 48 minutes.
Thankfully for the R's, Paul Jones came to the rescue, diving full stretch to divert Luke Guttridge's shot to safety.
Donning a Terry Butcher style head bandage, Milanese returned to the fray on 50 minutes, before Rowlands was forced from the fray, replaced by Steve Lomas.
Seconds after the change, Ray Jones' cross-cum-shot cannoned off the angle of the bar, as the R's continued to attack, despite an improved second half display from the visitors.
Ainsworth squandered a glorious chance to all but wrap the game up on 58 minutes, completing fluffing his lines from 12-yards after a sublime counter-attack involving Ward and Jones.
Jones joined his strike partner Blackstock in the referee's note-book on the hour for a rash challenge on Steven Hammell, before Ward - who improved as the match wore on - curled a sublime effort just wide of Collis' left hand upright.
Hot-shot Eastwood wasted a golden chance to bring the Shrimpers back into the game on 70 minutes - heading wide from little more than a yard when it seemed easier to score.
And the same player squandered another decent opportunity three minutes later, dragging his 15 yard shot wide from an acute angle.
Cook almost put the icing on the cake five minutes from time, but the ball whistled inches wide, with Collis seemingly beaten all ends up.
Guttridge - via the aid of a Damion Stewart deflection - had Paul Jones scrambling across his goal in the final minute, but it was not to be for the Shrimpers, whose search for win number two of the campaign continues.
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Stewart, Rehman, Milanese, Ainsworth, Rowlands (Lomas 55), Ward, Cook, Blackstock, R Jones (Gallen 75).
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Baidoo.
Scorers: Rowlands 31, Ward 40
Bookings: Blackstock 1, Rose 45, R Jones 61
Southend United: Flahavan (Collis 42), Francis, Prior, Barrett, Gower, Maher, Eastwood, Bradbury (Paynter 71), Guttridge, Campbell-Ryce, Hammell.
Subs: Hunt, Clarke, Lawson.
Bookings: Guttridge 29
Attendance: 12, 368
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
SOUTHEND OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
Southend came unstuck on their travels again, as they endured a frustrating afternoon in a 2-0 defeat at QPR.
After both teams took the opening 20 minutes to find their feet, it was QPR who managed to gain a firm grip on the match, which paved the way for them to collect the three points.
Interchange passing on the edge of the penalty box from the hosts released Dexter Blackstock on goal, but Darryl Flahavan was equal to his shot in making an excellent save to push the ball over.
Lee Cook arrowed a strike on target that Flahavan showed safe hands to hold before he was tested further to make another fine save to parry Gareth Ainsworth's shot around the post.
Ainsworth went close again, as he got the better of Steven Hammell down the left wing, raced into the area and planted a shot straight at Flahavan.
Southend were constantly found on the backfoot and struggled to make inroads into the QPR defence, as the hosts took a firm grip and forced the issue when they opened the scoring after 31 minutes.
Martin Rowlands blasted home a 20 yard free kick into the left-hand side of the goal, past the despairing dive of Flahavan.
Lee Bradbury
Lee Bradbury
Striker holds the ball up for Southend
And four minutes before the break QPR doubled their lead. Ainsworth's right wing cross saw Jones challenge Flahavan for the ball at the far post and he managed to head it across goal, where Nick Ward was on hand to tap home into an empty net.
Flahavan was injured when he came for the ball though and left the field clutching the right side of his face to be replaced by Steve Collis between the sticks.
A disappointing first half then ended with Mark Gower going close in rifling a half volley over the goal.
Collis made a smart block to deny Jones after the interval before Luke Guttridge looked set to reduce the arrears when Jamal Campbell-Ryce's darting run released the midfielder, but Paul Jones made a fine stop in the QPR goal.
Cook's left wing cross deceived Collis and hit the crossbar while Freddy Eastwood seemed set to score only to glance a header wide from just three yards out at the far post.
Eastwood was played on goal and managed to get around Jones, but the attentions of the backtracking Damion Stewart blocked his chances of an easy shot at an open goal and he proceeded to fire over.
Jamal Campbell-Ryce came close to a last minute consolation, but Jones made a terrific one handed stop ahead of the final whistle.
Southend were a much better outfit in the second half, but for all their endeavour they failed to find the cutting edge they needed up front with QPR securing a 2-0 victory.
Southend
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Saturday, August 12, 2006
QPR vs Southend - The Lineups
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QPR vs Southend
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Stewart, Rehman, Milanese, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Ward, Cook, R Jones, Blackstock.
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Lomas, Gallen, Baidoo.
Southend United: Flahavan, Francis, Prior, Barrett, Gower, Maher, Eastwood, Bradbury, Guttridge, Campbell-Ryce, Hammell.
Subs: Collis, Hunt, Clarke, Paynter, Lawson.
QPR Official Site -The Changes
Compare to the QPR lineup from exactly a year ago, vs Sheff United:
QPR Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Ainsworth (Brown 69), Bircham, Doherty (Moore 39), Rowlands (Bean 87), Gallen, Furlong. Subs Not Used: Cole, Shimmin. Goals: Bircham 56, Moore 90.
YEar Ago - Match Report from a Year Ago
QPR vs Southend
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Stewart, Rehman, Milanese, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Ward, Cook, R Jones, Blackstock.
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Lomas, Gallen, Baidoo.
Southend United: Flahavan, Francis, Prior, Barrett, Gower, Maher, Eastwood, Bradbury, Guttridge, Campbell-Ryce, Hammell.
Subs: Collis, Hunt, Clarke, Paynter, Lawson.
QPR Official Site -The Changes
Compare to the QPR lineup from exactly a year ago, vs Sheff United:
QPR Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Ainsworth (Brown 69), Bircham, Doherty (Moore 39), Rowlands (Bean 87), Gallen, Furlong. Subs Not Used: Cole, Shimmin. Goals: Bircham 56, Moore 90.
YEar Ago - Match Report from a Year Ago
Darren Blackstock
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QPR's Darren Blackstock
Started at Oxford...Sold to Southampton as a 17 year old...Had loans at Plymouth and Derby County...Still only 20
Player Profile & Archives
- Played for Football League England U-21 vs Italy Serie B U-21 in February, Scoring the only goal in England's 1-0 win.
SkySports Match Report
Four Four Two Profile/Q&A
QPR's Darren Blackstock
Started at Oxford...Sold to Southampton as a 17 year old...Had loans at Plymouth and Derby County...Still only 20
Player Profile & Archives
- Played for Football League England U-21 vs Italy Serie B U-21 in February, Scoring the only goal in England's 1-0 win.
SkySports Match Report
Four Four Two Profile/Q&A
Time for a Win! QPR Looking for their First Victory Since February!
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It's QPR vs Southend...
QPR, without a win in 14 games are definitely due for a win! With their two new signings, Fulham defender, Zesh Rehman and Southampton forward, Dexter Blackstock, hopefully today will be the day for QPR!
QPR's last victory was February 25, away to Sheffield United (QPR thus completed "the double" against promoted Sheffield United. There can be no forgetting the home game agains Sheffield United, played exactly a year ago tomorrow, in our third game of the season. Much has been written about - and much ensued as a result - of all that transpired, or more accurately, was alleged to have transpired, off-the-field at that game.)
[QPR's Team from a year ago: A crowd of 13,497 saw QPR win 2-1 with Steffan Moore getting QPR's second) QPR Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Ainsworth (Brown 69), Bircham, Doherty (Moore 39), Rowlands (Bean 87), Gallen, Furlong. Subs Not Used: Cole, Shimmin. Goals: Bircham 56, Moore 90.
Match Report from a Year Ago
QPR's last home victory was Waddock's debut as Acting Manager, Feb 11 at home to Millwall (1-0). In the seven home games since Millwall, QPR have drawn 4 and lost 3.
The last time QPR played Southend was in the Football League Trophy, January 20th 2004. QPR lost 4-0.
The last time QPR played Southend in the league, was in 1996-97 in the old "Nationwide Division One", when Simon Royce was playing for Southend. QPR won both of those games: 15 March 1997 Southend 0 QPR 1
14 December 1996 QPR 4 Southend 0
Team News from Sporting Life
Southend Fan Preview of the Game
SOUTHEND's SQUAD
Southend Squad
1 Darryl Flahavan Goalkeeper
2 Simon Francis Defender
3 Che Wilson Defender
4 Lewis Hunt Defender
5 Spencer Prior Defender
6 Adam Barrett Defender
7 Mark Gower Midfielder
8 Kevin Maher Midfielder
9 Michael Ricketts
10 Freddy Eastwood Striker
11 Mitchell Cole Midfielder
12 Lee Bradbury Striker
13 Steven Collis Goalkeeper
14 Luke Guttridge Midfielder
15 Peter Clarke Defender
16 Efetobore Sodje Defender
17 Jamal Campbell-Ryce Midfielder
18 Steven Hammell Defender
19 Billy Paynter Striker
20 James Lawson Striker
22 Jay Smith Midfielder
Gary Hooper Midfielder
http://www.southendunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/Profiles/0,,10444,00.html?ptvParm=
It's QPR vs Southend...
QPR, without a win in 14 games are definitely due for a win! With their two new signings, Fulham defender, Zesh Rehman and Southampton forward, Dexter Blackstock, hopefully today will be the day for QPR!
QPR's last victory was February 25, away to Sheffield United (QPR thus completed "the double" against promoted Sheffield United. There can be no forgetting the home game agains Sheffield United, played exactly a year ago tomorrow, in our third game of the season. Much has been written about - and much ensued as a result - of all that transpired, or more accurately, was alleged to have transpired, off-the-field at that game.)
[QPR's Team from a year ago: A crowd of 13,497 saw QPR win 2-1 with Steffan Moore getting QPR's second) QPR Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Ainsworth (Brown 69), Bircham, Doherty (Moore 39), Rowlands (Bean 87), Gallen, Furlong. Subs Not Used: Cole, Shimmin. Goals: Bircham 56, Moore 90.
Match Report from a Year Ago
QPR's last home victory was Waddock's debut as Acting Manager, Feb 11 at home to Millwall (1-0). In the seven home games since Millwall, QPR have drawn 4 and lost 3.
The last time QPR played Southend was in the Football League Trophy, January 20th 2004. QPR lost 4-0.
The last time QPR played Southend in the league, was in 1996-97 in the old "Nationwide Division One", when Simon Royce was playing for Southend. QPR won both of those games: 15 March 1997 Southend 0 QPR 1
14 December 1996 QPR 4 Southend 0
Team News from Sporting Life
Southend Fan Preview of the Game
SOUTHEND's SQUAD
Southend Squad
1 Darryl Flahavan Goalkeeper
2 Simon Francis Defender
3 Che Wilson Defender
4 Lewis Hunt Defender
5 Spencer Prior Defender
6 Adam Barrett Defender
7 Mark Gower Midfielder
8 Kevin Maher Midfielder
9 Michael Ricketts
10 Freddy Eastwood Striker
11 Mitchell Cole Midfielder
12 Lee Bradbury Striker
13 Steven Collis Goalkeeper
14 Luke Guttridge Midfielder
15 Peter Clarke Defender
16 Efetobore Sodje Defender
17 Jamal Campbell-Ryce Midfielder
18 Steven Hammell Defender
19 Billy Paynter Striker
20 James Lawson Striker
22 Jay Smith Midfielder
Gary Hooper Midfielder
http://www.southendunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/Profiles/0,,10444,00.html?ptvParm=
Friday, August 11, 2006
QPR's "Annus Horribilis" - Marking a Year Since the Alleged "Incident" at Loftus Road
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This week, QPR's much-loved,former Chairman Bill Power and former QPR CEO, Mark Devlin along with Mark's son, the pilot and two others from Swindon were involved in a horrible plane crash. It was a week which saw QPR fight back to draw 2-2 at home to Leeds; sell Danny Shittu to Watford from between 1.6 million and 3 million pounds. And saw QPR sign two hopefully classy players: Zesh Rehman from Fulham and Darren Blackstock fom Southampton
As Bill Power remains in hospital, should just note that this weekend marks the one year mark since "The Alleged Incident" at Loftus Road preceding the Sheffield United Game which led to the following headlines (and then after a trial, the acuittal, of all seven of the accused]
QPR Director Quit at Gunpoint
QPR chairman has gun held to head in attack at ground
11 held after gun attack on QPR boss
Men cleared in QPR threats case
Trial shone light on QPR 'soap opera'
After this incident, came the Board Room Meeting in which Dunga flew in and Bill Power was voted out as Chairman with Gianni Paladini taking the helm as QPR Chairman and defacto CEO (with Antonio Caliendo later coming in as Chairman of QPR Holdings); and CEO, Mark Devlin's position being made redundant.
And headlines such as
QPR POWER STRUGGLE GOES ON
Various other news reports. There have been statements; assertions; counter-assertions. And much more. And of course, this May and June saw "The Trial" (and the verdicts of 'Not Guilty." Meanwhile, Manager Ian Holloway has also since departed after having been put on "Gardening leave" (along with coaches, Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker). And Gary Waddock became first Acting Manager and then this summer, Manager.
A fuller overview of all the on and off-the-field peaks and troughs of the past year will be for later!
This week, QPR's much-loved,former Chairman Bill Power and former QPR CEO, Mark Devlin along with Mark's son, the pilot and two others from Swindon were involved in a horrible plane crash. It was a week which saw QPR fight back to draw 2-2 at home to Leeds; sell Danny Shittu to Watford from between 1.6 million and 3 million pounds. And saw QPR sign two hopefully classy players: Zesh Rehman from Fulham and Darren Blackstock fom Southampton
As Bill Power remains in hospital, should just note that this weekend marks the one year mark since "The Alleged Incident" at Loftus Road preceding the Sheffield United Game which led to the following headlines (and then after a trial, the acuittal, of all seven of the accused]
QPR Director Quit at Gunpoint
QPR chairman has gun held to head in attack at ground
11 held after gun attack on QPR boss
Men cleared in QPR threats case
Trial shone light on QPR 'soap opera'
After this incident, came the Board Room Meeting in which Dunga flew in and Bill Power was voted out as Chairman with Gianni Paladini taking the helm as QPR Chairman and defacto CEO (with Antonio Caliendo later coming in as Chairman of QPR Holdings); and CEO, Mark Devlin's position being made redundant.
And headlines such as
QPR POWER STRUGGLE GOES ON
Various other news reports. There have been statements; assertions; counter-assertions. And much more. And of course, this May and June saw "The Trial" (and the verdicts of 'Not Guilty." Meanwhile, Manager Ian Holloway has also since departed after having been put on "Gardening leave" (along with coaches, Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker). And Gary Waddock became first Acting Manager and then this summer, Manager.
A fuller overview of all the on and off-the-field peaks and troughs of the past year will be for later!
Swindon's Plane Crash
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This is Wiltshire
It was a terrible moment. I really did think he was dead’
THE wife of one of the Swindon Town executives who survived a light aircraft crash has spoken of the moment her heart stood still.
Anita Sullivan, whose husband Mike is the club's marketing manager, was at a charity event when she received a call telling her to ring a hospital accident and emergency department.
"A nurse asked if my husband was likely to be a passenger in a light aircraft.
continued...
"I think I nearly fainted and a friend took the phone off me. I was thinking the worst until I was told that Mike was conscious and was going to be okay.
"It was a terrible moment. I really did think he was dead."
Josie Devlin, the wife of club chief executive Mark, was at the theatre in High Wycombe watching her daughter Hayley in a play and so had her mobile phone switched off.
Thames Valley police sent officers to the theatre to tell Mrs Devlin that both her husband and ten-year-old son were in the plane, which crashed as the group travelled back from Swindon's first game of the season at Hartlepool on Saturday.
Ironically the plane came down at Denham Golf Course in Buckinghamshire just yards from the home of Swindon Town boss Dennis Wise.
Both women rushed to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough to see the injured.
Mrs Sullivan said: "When I got there Mike was conscious and knew who I was but he was obviously in a lot of pain.
"I could hardly recognise Stan Devlin as he had such a huge bruise to his head, it had swollen to almost double its normal size."
Also on board the Cessna 310 aircraft was Swindon director Bill Power, his friend Alan and pilot Frank Kratky.
The Sullivans' younger son Jamie, 18, was told of the accident immediately but because of the time difference Mrs Sullivan delayed telling their elder boy Lee, 21, who is working at the Disney resort in Florida.
She said: "I didn't realise but the first he knew of it was when he read about it on a website.
"He rang his brother's mobile and was very cross with me for not telling him."
The couple, who have been married for more than 26 years, live in Langley near Slough.
Mrs Sullivan is a regular at the Swindon home games but does not usually travel away. She said it was the first time the club bosses had used a light aircraft.
"It was chartered by Bill Power and Mike was given the chance to go on it.
"He has said he will never go on another light aircraft ever again. Ever since the accident people have been telling us how dangerous they are but I didn't even think about it before.
"We are due to fly to America to see our son in January so I am hoping he will be okay to go an ordinary plane."
Mr Sullivan, 53, returned home on Tuesday evening after an operation on his broken left arm.
They were very lucky to come out alive EXPERIENCED flyer Sir Seton Wills was stunned after a light aircraft carrying Swindon Town's top boardroom officials crashed on Saturday night.
Three executives and the son of one of them escaped with broken bones from the wreckage of a Cessna 303 after it plunged into woodland on a golf course on its way back from Hartlepool to Denham Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire.
The club's majority shareholder, who did not travel to Saturday's opening League Two fixture, was relieved that chief executive Mark Devlin and his son Stanley, ten, sales and marketing manager Mike Sullivan and director Bill Power survived the terrifying ordeal.
After hearing the news on Sunday Sir Seton said : "I was shocked, it was a terrible thing to happen. They were very, very lucky to come out alive.
"I have not flown to matches but I have done a lot of flying in light aircraft in Africa, in Zimbabwe, South Africa and so on, and I do get very scared during the flights.
"I have had no bad experiences though, touch wood, but I guess you can just get unlucky."
Wiltshire
"The first thing I heard was Stan telling his dad he loved him"
By Marcus Leroux
Town executives were rescued from the wreckage of this light aircraft
# Town executives were rescued from the wreckage of this light aircraft
WHEN Mike Sullivan heard the propellers stop he knew they were in trouble.
The Swindon Town marketing manager was discharged from hospital yesterday after surviving one of the most terrifying moments of his life.
He and five others, including Town chief executive Mark Devlin, his 10-year-old son Stan and director Bill Power, crashed to the ground in a light aircraft carrying them home from Town's first game of the season against Hartlepool on Saturday.
As Mr Sullivan regained consciousness in the twisted wreckage of the small six-seater aeroplane, he remembers hearing Stan say: "I love you dad".
continued...
Stan was sitting in the cockpit next to the pilot as a treat and endured the frightening ordeal separated from his father.
The passengers had been in high spirits as they returned from Swindon Town's victory and were arranging a night out to celebrate. Then the engine cut out and the plane hurtled towards the ground.
Mr Sullivan said: "I remember Mark sitting facing me and I looked out the window to the left hand side and saw the runway. I said that we were nearly home and at that point there was a bang.
"Alarm bells rang and all of a sudden the propeller, which had been going, came to a stop."
The aircraft lurched from side to side and the pilot, Frank Kratky, shouted that the plane had lost power as he struggled with the controls.
The plane then nosedived and Mr Sullivan recalls Bill Power shouting that they were going down.
For father-of-two Mr Sullivan, 53, the saving grace is that it all happened so quickly he didn't have time to think that he could be about to die.
"We don't know how high we were when we lost the engine, but you could tell it was really very serious straight away from the way the pilot was reacting. But I remember very little. I'm grateful we didn't really have time to think God, I'm going to die'," he said.
Mr Sullivan came round to the sound of groaning, Stan telling his father that he loved him and the smell of trees.
The plane had crashed near a golf course in Buckinghamshire near its destination at Denham aerodrome.
"All I remember then is a bald headed boy looking at me," said Mr Sullivan. "He must have been a paramedic.
"I remember nothing after that until I was being carried through the 13th hole of Denham golf course.
"Even now, I cannot really believe it's happened."
Yesterday, Mr Sullivan revisited the scene of the horrifying crash.
He said he was shocked by the size of the clearing made by the plane and the recovery team who removed it.
He said: "When you look back on it we're so lucky to be here, we really are. The plane could have burst into flames - if that had happened none of us could have got out.
"We played well on the day and we carried on a bit of that luck on our flight home."
He added: "I wouldn't want anyone to go through it. Not many people survive an air crash.
"We were told we may have flashbacks. We will just have to take it each day as it happens."
On Monday Mr Sullivan had his broken left arm operated on. He said at the time that he was aching all over and was having difficulty sitting up in bed in Wexham Park Hospital, Slough.
While the road to recovery may be a long one, Mr Sullivan says the goodwill shown to him, Mr Power and Mr Devlin by the fans has helped them through.
He said: "We're all really chuffed at the messages of support that have come in from the fans - and not just Swindon fans, but even Oxford and Wycombe fans."
The other passengers and the pilot remain in hospital. Mr Kratky is still in intensive care and Stan has had several operations on a broken ankle. Mr Devlin suffered a broken shoulder blade while Mr Power and an acquaintance of his suffered punctured lungs.
# A pilot who witnessed the crash has told the Adver it was likely to be a freak accident.
The pilot, who did not wish to be named, said: "I heard a bang followed by a thump. A passer-by saw it fall into the trees, wing first.
"When it hit the trees it was put level again. I think the trees saved those guys' lives."
He said that the plane could normally be glided home if one engine failed, but if it was travelling below a certain speed it becomes impossible for the pilot to control it using only the remaining engine.
Wiltshire
Overwhelmed by kindness of fans
By Marcus Leroux
THIS scene of domestic bliss is just what the doctor ordered for plane crash survivor Mike Sullivan.
The Swindon Town marketing manager is the first passenger to be released from hospital following Saturday's dramatic crash.
He was pulled out of the mangled wreckage with a badly broken arm.
The father-of-two says he has been overwhelmed with the kindness shown to him by Swindon Town fans and the well-wishers who have visited him at his home in Langley in Buckinghamshire.
continued...
Mr Sullivan's wife Anita says he was cheered by Town's last gasp victory against Barnet on Tuesday night.
"He's in good spirits. He was really pleased and surprised at the amount of people there,' she said.
"The club said there were lots of people saying get well soon and singing songs about them," she said.
"There have been so many people popping in that I've hardly seen him. But it's great to have him back. We're just amazed that he's still here."
Two youths who were coached by Mr Sullivan when they were under-nines - some 12 years ago - even dropped by to check on him.
"I don't think he can believe the amount of people that have come to see him - they just keep filing in," said Mrs Sullivan.
"I think talking it through with all of those people is helping him as well. He's got a story to tell and he doesn't mind telling it."
It has emerged that Mr Sullivan was warning of the dangers of light aircraft before taking the flight.
He said: "A friend told me light aircraft were dangerous but I made a joke of it saying well if it's going to crash let it be on the way back then at least we will have seen the match.'"
As reported in the Advertiser, when Mrs Sullivan first heard the news she assumed the worst.
But once she had heard her husband was alive she was unable to get in touch with their son Lee, 21, who is working for Disney in Florida.
She said: "He found out on the internet and was really cross with me."
Josie Devlin, the wife of club chief executive Mark, was at the theatre in High Wycombe watching her daughter Hayley in a play and so had her phone switched off.
Thames Valley Police sent officers to the theatre to tell Mrs Devlin her husband and son were in the plane.
When Mrs Sullivan arrived at hospital she didn't recognise young Stan Devlin.
"He had such a huge bruise to his head, it had swollen to almost double its normal size," she said.
Mr Devlin, his son, director Bill Power and two other passengers remain in hospital along with the pilot.
The plane crashed into woods in Buckinghamshire between the 13th hole of Denham Golf Club and a railway track on Saturday.
Astonishingly, it was a matter of yards from the home of Swindon Town manager Dennis Wise.
Pilot is fighting for his life in hospital
PILOT Frank Kratky was last night fighting for his life after a chest infection complicated his existing injuries.
Mr Kratky, 59, suffered severe spinal and facial injuries in Saturday's crash.
He is currently under sedation in Slough's Wexham Park Hospital's intensive care unit and his wife Jarka says it his condition is touch and go.
She said: "He is still very, very poorly. He's in intensive care and is sedated and being kept ventilated.
"They want to transfer him when he has stabilised, but they cannot do it until his condition improves.
"He's got a chest infection and they're trying to stabilise it, but it's touch and go. We're all very concerned and upset, but the main thing is the other passengers are okay.
"It would have been a tragedy if he woke up to be told that somebody didn't make it."
Father-of-four Mr Kratky has more than 40 years of flying experience.
Mrs Kratky said: "The children have been fantastic and have really helped me. Frank hasn't been conscious at all, they sedated him straight away because they didn't want him to move."
Mr Kratky was 16 when he first flew a plane in his native Czechoslovakia.
Mrs Kratky said: "I'm so glad all the other people are doing well and they're all alive.
"We don't know what happened, but we will find out. But what I know is that my husband had 40 years' experience and was a very, very good pilot.
"When I heard I was quite sure something had gone seriously wrong. We have flown lots with Frank - to France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
"He was serious about his flying and he wouldn't do anything silly.
"He was extremely conscientious."
Mr Kratky's 60th birthday is next week.
"I hope he will make it," Mrs Kratky said.
A Wexham Park Hospital spokeswoman said Mr Kratky's condition was serious but stable.
Wiltshire
This is Wiltshire
It was a terrible moment. I really did think he was dead’
THE wife of one of the Swindon Town executives who survived a light aircraft crash has spoken of the moment her heart stood still.
Anita Sullivan, whose husband Mike is the club's marketing manager, was at a charity event when she received a call telling her to ring a hospital accident and emergency department.
"A nurse asked if my husband was likely to be a passenger in a light aircraft.
continued...
"I think I nearly fainted and a friend took the phone off me. I was thinking the worst until I was told that Mike was conscious and was going to be okay.
"It was a terrible moment. I really did think he was dead."
Josie Devlin, the wife of club chief executive Mark, was at the theatre in High Wycombe watching her daughter Hayley in a play and so had her mobile phone switched off.
Thames Valley police sent officers to the theatre to tell Mrs Devlin that both her husband and ten-year-old son were in the plane, which crashed as the group travelled back from Swindon's first game of the season at Hartlepool on Saturday.
Ironically the plane came down at Denham Golf Course in Buckinghamshire just yards from the home of Swindon Town boss Dennis Wise.
Both women rushed to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough to see the injured.
Mrs Sullivan said: "When I got there Mike was conscious and knew who I was but he was obviously in a lot of pain.
"I could hardly recognise Stan Devlin as he had such a huge bruise to his head, it had swollen to almost double its normal size."
Also on board the Cessna 310 aircraft was Swindon director Bill Power, his friend Alan and pilot Frank Kratky.
The Sullivans' younger son Jamie, 18, was told of the accident immediately but because of the time difference Mrs Sullivan delayed telling their elder boy Lee, 21, who is working at the Disney resort in Florida.
She said: "I didn't realise but the first he knew of it was when he read about it on a website.
"He rang his brother's mobile and was very cross with me for not telling him."
The couple, who have been married for more than 26 years, live in Langley near Slough.
Mrs Sullivan is a regular at the Swindon home games but does not usually travel away. She said it was the first time the club bosses had used a light aircraft.
"It was chartered by Bill Power and Mike was given the chance to go on it.
"He has said he will never go on another light aircraft ever again. Ever since the accident people have been telling us how dangerous they are but I didn't even think about it before.
"We are due to fly to America to see our son in January so I am hoping he will be okay to go an ordinary plane."
Mr Sullivan, 53, returned home on Tuesday evening after an operation on his broken left arm.
They were very lucky to come out alive EXPERIENCED flyer Sir Seton Wills was stunned after a light aircraft carrying Swindon Town's top boardroom officials crashed on Saturday night.
Three executives and the son of one of them escaped with broken bones from the wreckage of a Cessna 303 after it plunged into woodland on a golf course on its way back from Hartlepool to Denham Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire.
The club's majority shareholder, who did not travel to Saturday's opening League Two fixture, was relieved that chief executive Mark Devlin and his son Stanley, ten, sales and marketing manager Mike Sullivan and director Bill Power survived the terrifying ordeal.
After hearing the news on Sunday Sir Seton said : "I was shocked, it was a terrible thing to happen. They were very, very lucky to come out alive.
"I have not flown to matches but I have done a lot of flying in light aircraft in Africa, in Zimbabwe, South Africa and so on, and I do get very scared during the flights.
"I have had no bad experiences though, touch wood, but I guess you can just get unlucky."
Wiltshire
"The first thing I heard was Stan telling his dad he loved him"
By Marcus Leroux
Town executives were rescued from the wreckage of this light aircraft
# Town executives were rescued from the wreckage of this light aircraft
WHEN Mike Sullivan heard the propellers stop he knew they were in trouble.
The Swindon Town marketing manager was discharged from hospital yesterday after surviving one of the most terrifying moments of his life.
He and five others, including Town chief executive Mark Devlin, his 10-year-old son Stan and director Bill Power, crashed to the ground in a light aircraft carrying them home from Town's first game of the season against Hartlepool on Saturday.
As Mr Sullivan regained consciousness in the twisted wreckage of the small six-seater aeroplane, he remembers hearing Stan say: "I love you dad".
continued...
Stan was sitting in the cockpit next to the pilot as a treat and endured the frightening ordeal separated from his father.
The passengers had been in high spirits as they returned from Swindon Town's victory and were arranging a night out to celebrate. Then the engine cut out and the plane hurtled towards the ground.
Mr Sullivan said: "I remember Mark sitting facing me and I looked out the window to the left hand side and saw the runway. I said that we were nearly home and at that point there was a bang.
"Alarm bells rang and all of a sudden the propeller, which had been going, came to a stop."
The aircraft lurched from side to side and the pilot, Frank Kratky, shouted that the plane had lost power as he struggled with the controls.
The plane then nosedived and Mr Sullivan recalls Bill Power shouting that they were going down.
For father-of-two Mr Sullivan, 53, the saving grace is that it all happened so quickly he didn't have time to think that he could be about to die.
"We don't know how high we were when we lost the engine, but you could tell it was really very serious straight away from the way the pilot was reacting. But I remember very little. I'm grateful we didn't really have time to think God, I'm going to die'," he said.
Mr Sullivan came round to the sound of groaning, Stan telling his father that he loved him and the smell of trees.
The plane had crashed near a golf course in Buckinghamshire near its destination at Denham aerodrome.
"All I remember then is a bald headed boy looking at me," said Mr Sullivan. "He must have been a paramedic.
"I remember nothing after that until I was being carried through the 13th hole of Denham golf course.
"Even now, I cannot really believe it's happened."
Yesterday, Mr Sullivan revisited the scene of the horrifying crash.
He said he was shocked by the size of the clearing made by the plane and the recovery team who removed it.
He said: "When you look back on it we're so lucky to be here, we really are. The plane could have burst into flames - if that had happened none of us could have got out.
"We played well on the day and we carried on a bit of that luck on our flight home."
He added: "I wouldn't want anyone to go through it. Not many people survive an air crash.
"We were told we may have flashbacks. We will just have to take it each day as it happens."
On Monday Mr Sullivan had his broken left arm operated on. He said at the time that he was aching all over and was having difficulty sitting up in bed in Wexham Park Hospital, Slough.
While the road to recovery may be a long one, Mr Sullivan says the goodwill shown to him, Mr Power and Mr Devlin by the fans has helped them through.
He said: "We're all really chuffed at the messages of support that have come in from the fans - and not just Swindon fans, but even Oxford and Wycombe fans."
The other passengers and the pilot remain in hospital. Mr Kratky is still in intensive care and Stan has had several operations on a broken ankle. Mr Devlin suffered a broken shoulder blade while Mr Power and an acquaintance of his suffered punctured lungs.
# A pilot who witnessed the crash has told the Adver it was likely to be a freak accident.
The pilot, who did not wish to be named, said: "I heard a bang followed by a thump. A passer-by saw it fall into the trees, wing first.
"When it hit the trees it was put level again. I think the trees saved those guys' lives."
He said that the plane could normally be glided home if one engine failed, but if it was travelling below a certain speed it becomes impossible for the pilot to control it using only the remaining engine.
Wiltshire
Overwhelmed by kindness of fans
By Marcus Leroux
THIS scene of domestic bliss is just what the doctor ordered for plane crash survivor Mike Sullivan.
The Swindon Town marketing manager is the first passenger to be released from hospital following Saturday's dramatic crash.
He was pulled out of the mangled wreckage with a badly broken arm.
The father-of-two says he has been overwhelmed with the kindness shown to him by Swindon Town fans and the well-wishers who have visited him at his home in Langley in Buckinghamshire.
continued...
Mr Sullivan's wife Anita says he was cheered by Town's last gasp victory against Barnet on Tuesday night.
"He's in good spirits. He was really pleased and surprised at the amount of people there,' she said.
"The club said there were lots of people saying get well soon and singing songs about them," she said.
"There have been so many people popping in that I've hardly seen him. But it's great to have him back. We're just amazed that he's still here."
Two youths who were coached by Mr Sullivan when they were under-nines - some 12 years ago - even dropped by to check on him.
"I don't think he can believe the amount of people that have come to see him - they just keep filing in," said Mrs Sullivan.
"I think talking it through with all of those people is helping him as well. He's got a story to tell and he doesn't mind telling it."
It has emerged that Mr Sullivan was warning of the dangers of light aircraft before taking the flight.
He said: "A friend told me light aircraft were dangerous but I made a joke of it saying well if it's going to crash let it be on the way back then at least we will have seen the match.'"
As reported in the Advertiser, when Mrs Sullivan first heard the news she assumed the worst.
But once she had heard her husband was alive she was unable to get in touch with their son Lee, 21, who is working for Disney in Florida.
She said: "He found out on the internet and was really cross with me."
Josie Devlin, the wife of club chief executive Mark, was at the theatre in High Wycombe watching her daughter Hayley in a play and so had her phone switched off.
Thames Valley Police sent officers to the theatre to tell Mrs Devlin her husband and son were in the plane.
When Mrs Sullivan arrived at hospital she didn't recognise young Stan Devlin.
"He had such a huge bruise to his head, it had swollen to almost double its normal size," she said.
Mr Devlin, his son, director Bill Power and two other passengers remain in hospital along with the pilot.
The plane crashed into woods in Buckinghamshire between the 13th hole of Denham Golf Club and a railway track on Saturday.
Astonishingly, it was a matter of yards from the home of Swindon Town manager Dennis Wise.
Pilot is fighting for his life in hospital
PILOT Frank Kratky was last night fighting for his life after a chest infection complicated his existing injuries.
Mr Kratky, 59, suffered severe spinal and facial injuries in Saturday's crash.
He is currently under sedation in Slough's Wexham Park Hospital's intensive care unit and his wife Jarka says it his condition is touch and go.
She said: "He is still very, very poorly. He's in intensive care and is sedated and being kept ventilated.
"They want to transfer him when he has stabilised, but they cannot do it until his condition improves.
"He's got a chest infection and they're trying to stabilise it, but it's touch and go. We're all very concerned and upset, but the main thing is the other passengers are okay.
"It would have been a tragedy if he woke up to be told that somebody didn't make it."
Father-of-four Mr Kratky has more than 40 years of flying experience.
Mrs Kratky said: "The children have been fantastic and have really helped me. Frank hasn't been conscious at all, they sedated him straight away because they didn't want him to move."
Mr Kratky was 16 when he first flew a plane in his native Czechoslovakia.
Mrs Kratky said: "I'm so glad all the other people are doing well and they're all alive.
"We don't know what happened, but we will find out. But what I know is that my husband had 40 years' experience and was a very, very good pilot.
"When I heard I was quite sure something had gone seriously wrong. We have flown lots with Frank - to France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
"He was serious about his flying and he wouldn't do anything silly.
"He was extremely conscientious."
Mr Kratky's 60th birthday is next week.
"I hope he will make it," Mrs Kratky said.
A Wexham Park Hospital spokeswoman said Mr Kratky's condition was serious but stable.
Wiltshire
Southend Look at QPR...QPR Look at Southend
-
Southend's Playing Squad
Southend Official Site
TILSON TARGETS THREE POINTS
Tilson will be setting his team to go for the win at QPR on Saturday
Steve Tilson admitted Southend will be ready with the same outlook to try and get all three points at QPR tomorrow.
The Blues will travel to London again for their third fixture of the Championship season, on the back of impressing against Crystal Palace in midweek.
The result may not have gone their way, but Tilson feels more performances of that standard will see the Club hold their own at this level.
On the agenda now is going out with the intent to get all three points from Lotus Road.
"I think we have competed really well in the two games we have played so far," Steve told Blues World.
"I felt we played better Tuesday night at Crystal Palace than we did against Stoke and we've ended up losing 3-1.
"We have to defend better from set plays and if we had done that we would have won the game, but that's part and parcel of football.
If we come away with one point at QPR that will be a good result, but we'll go there looking for all three.
"We have to make sure we pick up better at set plays; whether it is a corner, free kick or throw-in.
"That's disappointing, but it was a good performance and hopefully if we have performances like that week-in, week-out then we can certainly compete in this league.
"Like I said from the start though, it's going to be a tough league for us and we need to take each game as it comes."
Tilson insists there are no easy games at this level, but it's a challenge his team are ready for.
With no fresh injury doubts, the Blues Chief is happy with the way everyone has competed in the Championship so far, but is under no illusions that QPR are still seeking their first win of the campaign.
"In the two games we have played everyone has made the step up," he said.
"Everyone is fine after Tuesday night and up until now we have picked up no new injuries.
"QPR will be under a little bit of pressure, as they have only got one point out the first two games, so we have to go there and be positive.
"If we come away with one point that will be a good result, but we'll go there looking for all three.
"We go into every game looking for three points, but it's going to be a tough test."
Southend Official Site
SOUTHEND OFFICIAL
BLUES RETURN TO LONDON
Eastwood has already found the net twice this season
Southend make their second trip to London in the space of five days when they face Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
This follows Tuesday nights 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, where having taken a first half lead through Freddy Eastwood, Palace managed three goals in the space of 10 second half minutes to turn the game on its head.
Despite the result the Blues performance will give them plenty of encouragement and Eastwood will be looking to add to his two-goal tally already this season.
Still on the injured list for Southend are Efe Sodje and Michael Ricketts, but there is good news from both parties.
Sodje is expected to play in next Wednesdays reserve team fixtures at Colchester United while Ricketts should return to first team training after sustaining an Achilles injury in pre-season.
QPR will be looking for their first win of the new season after losing their opening day match 2-0 at Burnley, although a last minute goal saw them earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Leeds midweek.
But they have been busy in the transfer market recently by signing defender Zesh Rehmann from Fulham to replace Danny Shittu, who moved to the Premiership with Watford in a £3 million deal.
Dexter Blackstock has also signed a three-year contract from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.
Supporters are reminded that the match is a 3pm kick-off, and full match commentary can be found on Blues World.
Tickets for the game can be bought on the day from Lotus Road.
Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
SOUTHEND
The Shrimpers have exceeded all expectations over the last two seasons, but even the most partisan Southend supporter would be crazy to anticipate anything above a top half finish come the end of the current campaign.
In gaffer Steve Tilson, the Roots Hall-based Club have a manager who genuinely believes in his own ability to get the very best out of any situation.
Arguably one of the most ambitious manager's in the second tier of English football, Tilson has the unique ability to raise his players regardless of the opposition.
The proof is in the pudding. After sealing their place in League One via the play-offs in 2004/05, the Shrimpers clinched the title in their maiden season in the third tier of English Football.
Survival would surely be the ultimate goal for Southend this season, but that forecast might just change, especially if hot-shot Freddy Eastwood has his say.
League table
Pld
Pts
14
Coventry 2
3
15
Southend
2
3
16 Sheff Weds 2
1
Southend celebrate winning the League One title last season
Top scorer
Freddy Eastwood 2
Last league game
Crystal Palace 3, Southend United 1.
Football League Championship.
August 8th 2006.
Southend United: Flahavan, Francis, Prior, Barrett, Hammell, Gower (Paynter 75), Maher, Guttridge, Campbell-Ryce, Eastwood, Bradbury.
Subs Not Used: Hunt, Collis, Clarke, Lawson.
Gaffer Steve Tilson and right hand man Paul Brush
Tilson on Eagles: "There are lessons to be learned. We conceded from two set plays so we need to be stronger in the box. And, for the second goal, we were trying to play offside.
"Overall we played some good stuff and I'm pleased with the performance. I've told the lads if we play like that week in, week out, then we'll be fine."
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds
Rangers 11/10
Southend 23/10
draw 21/10
Key player: Freddy Eastwood
Southend have a genuine goal-getter in their ranks in the shape of Freddy Eastwood.
The former West Ham United trainee considered retiring from football after he was released in 2002, but a spell at Grays reignited his desire and since signing for the Blues in October 2004, he has never looked back.
Eastwood ended the 2005/06 season as the joint leading goalscorer in League One with 25 goals and was named Fans' Player of the Year.
Shrimpers hot-shot Freddy Eastwood
Head to head
Rangers wins: 36
Southend wins: 24
Draws: 12
Last meeting
Southend United 4 (Constantine, Broughton (2), Clark), QPR 0.
Football League Trophy, Southern Section, semi-final)
January 20th 2004.
Did you know?
Southend have signed trialist forward Gary Hooper on a one-year deal.
The former Grays striker had been on trial with the Club for the past four weeks and featured during the Blues' successful pre-season fixtures.
The 18-year-old scored twice against Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge and Tilson has been impressed enough to reward him with a contract at Southend.
QPR OFFICIAL
Southend's Playing Squad
Southend Official Site
TILSON TARGETS THREE POINTS
Tilson will be setting his team to go for the win at QPR on Saturday
Steve Tilson admitted Southend will be ready with the same outlook to try and get all three points at QPR tomorrow.
The Blues will travel to London again for their third fixture of the Championship season, on the back of impressing against Crystal Palace in midweek.
The result may not have gone their way, but Tilson feels more performances of that standard will see the Club hold their own at this level.
On the agenda now is going out with the intent to get all three points from Lotus Road.
"I think we have competed really well in the two games we have played so far," Steve told Blues World.
"I felt we played better Tuesday night at Crystal Palace than we did against Stoke and we've ended up losing 3-1.
"We have to defend better from set plays and if we had done that we would have won the game, but that's part and parcel of football.
If we come away with one point at QPR that will be a good result, but we'll go there looking for all three.
"We have to make sure we pick up better at set plays; whether it is a corner, free kick or throw-in.
"That's disappointing, but it was a good performance and hopefully if we have performances like that week-in, week-out then we can certainly compete in this league.
"Like I said from the start though, it's going to be a tough league for us and we need to take each game as it comes."
Tilson insists there are no easy games at this level, but it's a challenge his team are ready for.
With no fresh injury doubts, the Blues Chief is happy with the way everyone has competed in the Championship so far, but is under no illusions that QPR are still seeking their first win of the campaign.
"In the two games we have played everyone has made the step up," he said.
"Everyone is fine after Tuesday night and up until now we have picked up no new injuries.
"QPR will be under a little bit of pressure, as they have only got one point out the first two games, so we have to go there and be positive.
"If we come away with one point that will be a good result, but we'll go there looking for all three.
"We go into every game looking for three points, but it's going to be a tough test."
Southend Official Site
SOUTHEND OFFICIAL
BLUES RETURN TO LONDON
Eastwood has already found the net twice this season
Southend make their second trip to London in the space of five days when they face Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
This follows Tuesday nights 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, where having taken a first half lead through Freddy Eastwood, Palace managed three goals in the space of 10 second half minutes to turn the game on its head.
Despite the result the Blues performance will give them plenty of encouragement and Eastwood will be looking to add to his two-goal tally already this season.
Still on the injured list for Southend are Efe Sodje and Michael Ricketts, but there is good news from both parties.
Sodje is expected to play in next Wednesdays reserve team fixtures at Colchester United while Ricketts should return to first team training after sustaining an Achilles injury in pre-season.
QPR will be looking for their first win of the new season after losing their opening day match 2-0 at Burnley, although a last minute goal saw them earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Leeds midweek.
But they have been busy in the transfer market recently by signing defender Zesh Rehmann from Fulham to replace Danny Shittu, who moved to the Premiership with Watford in a £3 million deal.
Dexter Blackstock has also signed a three-year contract from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.
Supporters are reminded that the match is a 3pm kick-off, and full match commentary can be found on Blues World.
Tickets for the game can be bought on the day from Lotus Road.
Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
SOUTHEND
The Shrimpers have exceeded all expectations over the last two seasons, but even the most partisan Southend supporter would be crazy to anticipate anything above a top half finish come the end of the current campaign.
In gaffer Steve Tilson, the Roots Hall-based Club have a manager who genuinely believes in his own ability to get the very best out of any situation.
Arguably one of the most ambitious manager's in the second tier of English football, Tilson has the unique ability to raise his players regardless of the opposition.
The proof is in the pudding. After sealing their place in League One via the play-offs in 2004/05, the Shrimpers clinched the title in their maiden season in the third tier of English Football.
Survival would surely be the ultimate goal for Southend this season, but that forecast might just change, especially if hot-shot Freddy Eastwood has his say.
League table
Pld
Pts
14
Coventry 2
3
15
Southend
2
3
16 Sheff Weds 2
1
Southend celebrate winning the League One title last season
Top scorer
Freddy Eastwood 2
Last league game
Crystal Palace 3, Southend United 1.
Football League Championship.
August 8th 2006.
Southend United: Flahavan, Francis, Prior, Barrett, Hammell, Gower (Paynter 75), Maher, Guttridge, Campbell-Ryce, Eastwood, Bradbury.
Subs Not Used: Hunt, Collis, Clarke, Lawson.
Gaffer Steve Tilson and right hand man Paul Brush
Tilson on Eagles: "There are lessons to be learned. We conceded from two set plays so we need to be stronger in the box. And, for the second goal, we were trying to play offside.
"Overall we played some good stuff and I'm pleased with the performance. I've told the lads if we play like that week in, week out, then we'll be fine."
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds
Rangers 11/10
Southend 23/10
draw 21/10
Key player: Freddy Eastwood
Southend have a genuine goal-getter in their ranks in the shape of Freddy Eastwood.
The former West Ham United trainee considered retiring from football after he was released in 2002, but a spell at Grays reignited his desire and since signing for the Blues in October 2004, he has never looked back.
Eastwood ended the 2005/06 season as the joint leading goalscorer in League One with 25 goals and was named Fans' Player of the Year.
Shrimpers hot-shot Freddy Eastwood
Head to head
Rangers wins: 36
Southend wins: 24
Draws: 12
Last meeting
Southend United 4 (Constantine, Broughton (2), Clark), QPR 0.
Football League Trophy, Southern Section, semi-final)
January 20th 2004.
Did you know?
Southend have signed trialist forward Gary Hooper on a one-year deal.
The former Grays striker had been on trial with the Club for the past four weeks and featured during the Blues' successful pre-season fixtures.
The 18-year-old scored twice against Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge and Tilson has been impressed enough to reward him with a contract at Southend.
QPR OFFICIAL
Ex-QPR Boss, Ian Holloway Speaking about Plymouth
-
[Have to admire the order in which Plymouth rank their officials!
Plymouth Staff 'Who's Who'
BBC - Holloway has top-flight dream
By Chris Bevan
This club can make it to the Premiership and I want to be the man who takes them there
Ian Holloway
New Plymouth boss Ian Holloway is laying down big plans at Home Park.
The Premiership is his ultimate aim - but first he wants to stop people looking down their noses at his side.
He told BBC Sport: "Everyone is talking about the obstacles I am facing down here and the problems I am going to have.
"I don't see it that way. I moved down here, I am from round here and I believe in the area, the whole lot.
"I am not thinking about targets for this season. I am thinking long term.
"This club can make it to the Premiership and I want to be the man who takes them there."
The former Bristol Rovers and QPR boss took charge of the Pilgrims at the end of June, five months after he was suspended by the R's because of speculation linking him with the then-vacant Leicester City job.
Holloway revealed he considered leaving football for good - but realised he could not turn his back on the game.
He explained: "When I was out of football I sat down for the first time and thought about whether I wanted to be a football manager - up until then it had always fallen into my lap.
"I didn't go out and watch football; I should have been looking at players but I didn't. Instead I spent five months with my family and I am glad I did. I feel rejuvenated.
"I was ready to come back and when I got this job Plymouth didn't interview me, I interviewed them.
"I liked the way they spoke and I liked what they told me about their plans for the future.
"It is definitely good to be back and I am glad to be here. Now all I want is for this club to be talked about in the proper way - I am sick of people being negative."
Holloway feels the Pilgrims are on the brink of something big - and he is keen to convince everyone else too.
"There is so much untapped potential in this area and I want to utilise it," he said.
"I have signed a three-year contract and that is what I have got to work with to begin with.
"My first aim is to get the gates up. At the moment we get 16,000 which is enough to compete in this division - but I think we can get more, and if we are going to develop the ground and the team then we have to.
"I believe in what I am doing totally and once people speak to me they do too - I could sell snow to the Eskimos.
"I persuaded Barry Hayles to come here, and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake. People did not think he would leave Manchester United to come here and I will tell you why he did - because of me."
Many people have predicted a season of struggle for Argyle but their solid start suggests otherwise - and Holloway is not interested anyhow.
"I haven't read what people have predicted and I don't care what they say. I've been a football pundit and half the time they don't even watch games, they just sit there chatting," Holloway said.
"I don't care what other people say. Look at Watford last year - everyone was saying they were going to get relegated but look what happened to them when they backed Aidy Boothroyd.
"Until you walk around this club and see how welcome they have made me feel you won't understand how I am feeling at the moment. I am going to do a job for them and I will work until I die if I have to.
"I don't know what the feeling is like in the town - you will have to come down and see for yourself.
"But all I can say is that I am buzzing and I can't wait for the next game - win, lose or draw."
BBC
[Have to admire the order in which Plymouth rank their officials!
Plymouth Staff 'Who's Who'
BBC - Holloway has top-flight dream
By Chris Bevan
This club can make it to the Premiership and I want to be the man who takes them there
Ian Holloway
New Plymouth boss Ian Holloway is laying down big plans at Home Park.
The Premiership is his ultimate aim - but first he wants to stop people looking down their noses at his side.
He told BBC Sport: "Everyone is talking about the obstacles I am facing down here and the problems I am going to have.
"I don't see it that way. I moved down here, I am from round here and I believe in the area, the whole lot.
"I am not thinking about targets for this season. I am thinking long term.
"This club can make it to the Premiership and I want to be the man who takes them there."
The former Bristol Rovers and QPR boss took charge of the Pilgrims at the end of June, five months after he was suspended by the R's because of speculation linking him with the then-vacant Leicester City job.
Holloway revealed he considered leaving football for good - but realised he could not turn his back on the game.
He explained: "When I was out of football I sat down for the first time and thought about whether I wanted to be a football manager - up until then it had always fallen into my lap.
"I didn't go out and watch football; I should have been looking at players but I didn't. Instead I spent five months with my family and I am glad I did. I feel rejuvenated.
"I was ready to come back and when I got this job Plymouth didn't interview me, I interviewed them.
"I liked the way they spoke and I liked what they told me about their plans for the future.
"It is definitely good to be back and I am glad to be here. Now all I want is for this club to be talked about in the proper way - I am sick of people being negative."
Holloway feels the Pilgrims are on the brink of something big - and he is keen to convince everyone else too.
"There is so much untapped potential in this area and I want to utilise it," he said.
"I have signed a three-year contract and that is what I have got to work with to begin with.
"My first aim is to get the gates up. At the moment we get 16,000 which is enough to compete in this division - but I think we can get more, and if we are going to develop the ground and the team then we have to.
"I believe in what I am doing totally and once people speak to me they do too - I could sell snow to the Eskimos.
"I persuaded Barry Hayles to come here, and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake. People did not think he would leave Manchester United to come here and I will tell you why he did - because of me."
Many people have predicted a season of struggle for Argyle but their solid start suggests otherwise - and Holloway is not interested anyhow.
"I haven't read what people have predicted and I don't care what they say. I've been a football pundit and half the time they don't even watch games, they just sit there chatting," Holloway said.
"I don't care what other people say. Look at Watford last year - everyone was saying they were going to get relegated but look what happened to them when they backed Aidy Boothroyd.
"Until you walk around this club and see how welcome they have made me feel you won't understand how I am feeling at the moment. I am going to do a job for them and I will work until I die if I have to.
"I don't know what the feeling is like in the town - you will have to come down and see for yourself.
"But all I can say is that I am buzzing and I can't wait for the next game - win, lose or draw."
BBC
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Nostalgia: August 10, 1968: Our First Division 'Debut' - QPR 1 Leicester 1
-
Thirty-Eight Years ago...August 10, 1968, QPR 1 Leicester 1
21,000+ saw QPR play their first-ever game in the First Division. QPR drew 1-1 at Loftus Road, with the new stand not yet complete! Substitute Les Allen , soon to be our manager, scored our first goal while Leicester had English record transfer signing (Allan Clarke, 150,000 pounds from Fulham) making his debut.
QPRs team
Springett -Finch Hazell Watson Harris
Sibley Keen - Morgan Wilks Clarke Morgan
Sub: Allen
Meanwhile, a year ago, August 10, 2005 were reporting on QPR's 2-1 win over Ipswich - (QPR then under the guidance of Bill Power, Mark Devlin and Ian Holloway!)
QPR -
Simon Royce, Marcus Bignot, Matthew Rose, Georges Santos, Danny Shittu, Gareth Ainsworth (Stefan Moore), Marc Bircham, Tommy Doherty, Martin Rowlands, Paul Furlong (Marc Nygaard), Kevin Gallen
Ipswich
Lewis Price, Mark Fish (Matthew Richards), Richard Naylor, Luis Castro RodrÃguez Sito, Fabian Wilnis, Darren Currie, Owen Garvan (Kevin Horlock), Jim Magilton, Ian Westlake (Jaime Peters), Nicky Forster, Sam Parkin
Floundering Fish leaves Ipswich gutted
Rob Smyth at Loftus Road
Wednesday August 10, 2005
The Guardian
Last season Ipswich were arguably the finest side in the Championship, a loose-limbed attacking force blessed with charm and style. But now they're down to the bare bones and the strain is already starting to show
Having lost Kelvin Davis, Tommy Miller, Shefki Kuqi and Darren Bent in the summer, and with their defensive linchpin Jason De Vos out injured, they were well beaten by a ravenous Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last night. We're a bit lightweight," admitted their manager Joe Royle. "We've only got four recognised defenders. I had to play Mark Fish [on loan from Charlton] and I knew he wasn't fit. He volunteered to play and I can't thank him enough for that but he's obviously nowhere near at the moment."
Kevin Gallen got the first eight minutes before the break, rolling the lumbering Fish superbly before placing his shot in the corner. Then, on the stroke of half-time, with Fish on the floor after taking a whack in the face, Gareth Ainsworth's deep cross was slammed home gleefully on the volley by Martin Rowlands.
"I said at half-time, 'I'm not happy with that, you should be in front by more'," said the QPR manager Ian Holloway. "Two-nil is the worst score in the world, because it can quickly change the momentum."
So it proved. Eight minutes into the second half, Sam Parkin picked the dallying Georges Santos's pocket and curved his first goal for the club classily into the far top corner.
Ipswich, like recovering amnesiacs, suddenly began to pass and move with familiar, elastic elan but apart from Marcus Bignot clearing Parkin's shot off the line, there were few alarms for the home side.
"That's one of the best performances any team of mine has ever given," said Holloway, happily hyperbolic as ever. "But there's still 44 games to go. It doesn't mean anything."
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-55445,00.html
And FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY....strong>
Saturday August 10, 2002 QPR 3 Chesterfield 1
- Furlong, Langley & Gallen
QPR
Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Doudou Ebeu Mbombo, Richard Langley, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Nicky Culkin, Kevin Gallen, Daniel Shittu, Karl Connolly, Andy Thomson
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-39216,00.html
Thirty-Eight Years ago...August 10, 1968, QPR 1 Leicester 1
21,000+ saw QPR play their first-ever game in the First Division. QPR drew 1-1 at Loftus Road, with the new stand not yet complete! Substitute Les Allen , soon to be our manager, scored our first goal while Leicester had English record transfer signing (Allan Clarke, 150,000 pounds from Fulham) making his debut.
QPRs team
Springett -Finch Hazell Watson Harris
Sibley Keen - Morgan Wilks Clarke Morgan
Sub: Allen
Meanwhile, a year ago, August 10, 2005 were reporting on QPR's 2-1 win over Ipswich - (QPR then under the guidance of Bill Power, Mark Devlin and Ian Holloway!)
QPR -
Simon Royce, Marcus Bignot, Matthew Rose, Georges Santos, Danny Shittu, Gareth Ainsworth (Stefan Moore), Marc Bircham, Tommy Doherty, Martin Rowlands, Paul Furlong (Marc Nygaard), Kevin Gallen
Ipswich
Lewis Price, Mark Fish (Matthew Richards), Richard Naylor, Luis Castro RodrÃguez Sito, Fabian Wilnis, Darren Currie, Owen Garvan (Kevin Horlock), Jim Magilton, Ian Westlake (Jaime Peters), Nicky Forster, Sam Parkin
Floundering Fish leaves Ipswich gutted
Rob Smyth at Loftus Road
Wednesday August 10, 2005
The Guardian
Last season Ipswich were arguably the finest side in the Championship, a loose-limbed attacking force blessed with charm and style. But now they're down to the bare bones and the strain is already starting to show
Having lost Kelvin Davis, Tommy Miller, Shefki Kuqi and Darren Bent in the summer, and with their defensive linchpin Jason De Vos out injured, they were well beaten by a ravenous Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last night. We're a bit lightweight," admitted their manager Joe Royle. "We've only got four recognised defenders. I had to play Mark Fish [on loan from Charlton] and I knew he wasn't fit. He volunteered to play and I can't thank him enough for that but he's obviously nowhere near at the moment."
Kevin Gallen got the first eight minutes before the break, rolling the lumbering Fish superbly before placing his shot in the corner. Then, on the stroke of half-time, with Fish on the floor after taking a whack in the face, Gareth Ainsworth's deep cross was slammed home gleefully on the volley by Martin Rowlands.
"I said at half-time, 'I'm not happy with that, you should be in front by more'," said the QPR manager Ian Holloway. "Two-nil is the worst score in the world, because it can quickly change the momentum."
So it proved. Eight minutes into the second half, Sam Parkin picked the dallying Georges Santos's pocket and curved his first goal for the club classily into the far top corner.
Ipswich, like recovering amnesiacs, suddenly began to pass and move with familiar, elastic elan but apart from Marcus Bignot clearing Parkin's shot off the line, there were few alarms for the home side.
"That's one of the best performances any team of mine has ever given," said Holloway, happily hyperbolic as ever. "But there's still 44 games to go. It doesn't mean anything."
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-55445,00.html
And FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY....strong>
Saturday August 10, 2002 QPR 3 Chesterfield 1
- Furlong, Langley & Gallen
QPR
Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Doudou Ebeu Mbombo, Richard Langley, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Nicky Culkin, Kevin Gallen, Daniel Shittu, Karl Connolly, Andy Thomson
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-39216,00.html
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Nick Ward Profiled/Interviewed - BBC
-
BBC - Ward vows to make his mark
By Chris Bevan
I wanted to play in Europe - whether it was in England or on the continent - so this was always going to be the next step
QPR midfielder Nick Ward
QPR's capture of Australian midfielder Nick Ward may not have been the highest-profile signing of the summer but his arrival caused quite a stir around Loftus Road.
The 21-year-old arrives in Shepherds Bush with an impressive pedigree.
In 2005 he starred in the World Youth Cup and along with Wayne Rooney was named as one of Fifa's young stars of the year.
Playing for Perth Glory last season, Ward was voted the new Australian A-League's inaugural 'Rising Star' - their young player of the year award.
He was on the fringes of the Socceroos squad for this summer's World Cup - and the Australian Football Federation were desperate for him to continue playing in his homeland.
Ward tells BBC Sport why he decided to join the R's and how he hopes to make his mark on the Championship.
AUSSIE RULES?
The heart had gone out of the old national league in Australia but the A-League has been a big success. They restructured it so there was only really one team per major city and it has worked.
With the Socceroos at the World Cup too the game really took off - it had never done that in Australia before.
In terms of numbers of youngsters involved in a sport, football is the second-biggest over there behind swimming - all the kids are playing it and it is thriving.
WHY MOVE ON?
If you look at the Australian squad who were at the World Cup, everyone is playing in Europe.
I was part of the training squad for that this summer but just missed out and that was one of the reasons for moving over here - I don't want to miss out again.
I was told it was down to match fitness - the A-League in Australia is only 21 games and I wasn't playing games when the selection was made.
LEAVING HOME
The Australian Football Federation did not want me to leave because they were trying to protect their League.
They don't want to see their best young players go - but I thought it was the right time to leave.
I always wanted to play in Europe, whether it was in England or on the continent, so this was always going to be the next step.
I knew QPR had a great history and that they were a big club who had been in the Premier League.
I looked into it and weighed up my options - I just thought it was a great opportunity and I know Australia is always going to be there for me to go back to if things don't work out.
SETTLING IN
This is a challenge and I am relishing it.
I have settled in quite well. I have been here four weeks and am in my new flat now and have got a car so everything is going well.
My parents are both from England and emigrated to Australia so we were the only ones there and the rest of the family is here. I am not here on my own so things are not too bad.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I think I have made the right decision and the two games I have played in already have been a good experience and enlightened me to a different style of play.
It is a different style of play over here to what I am used to. In Australia, teams are more patient and there are not as many long balls.
That is something that will take a few games to get used to because I am a player who likes it a little more on the ground.
It is a bit more physical too and I have noticed you can get away with a bit more over here - but they are all little things and I don't see them as a problem.
AIMING HIGH
I enjoyed my home debut against Leeds - there was a great crowd and atmosphere and Loftus Road is a really good ground too.
It was a tough match and I don't think I played one of my better games but there is better stuff to come.
As an attacking midfielder I want to score goals.
With the amount of games in the season if I stay injury free and can play regularly then I will be looking to score about 10 goals a season.
Those are my personal goals and as for the team, well we have to aim for the play-offs.
BBC
BBC - Ward vows to make his mark
By Chris Bevan
I wanted to play in Europe - whether it was in England or on the continent - so this was always going to be the next step
QPR midfielder Nick Ward
QPR's capture of Australian midfielder Nick Ward may not have been the highest-profile signing of the summer but his arrival caused quite a stir around Loftus Road.
The 21-year-old arrives in Shepherds Bush with an impressive pedigree.
In 2005 he starred in the World Youth Cup and along with Wayne Rooney was named as one of Fifa's young stars of the year.
Playing for Perth Glory last season, Ward was voted the new Australian A-League's inaugural 'Rising Star' - their young player of the year award.
He was on the fringes of the Socceroos squad for this summer's World Cup - and the Australian Football Federation were desperate for him to continue playing in his homeland.
Ward tells BBC Sport why he decided to join the R's and how he hopes to make his mark on the Championship.
AUSSIE RULES?
The heart had gone out of the old national league in Australia but the A-League has been a big success. They restructured it so there was only really one team per major city and it has worked.
With the Socceroos at the World Cup too the game really took off - it had never done that in Australia before.
In terms of numbers of youngsters involved in a sport, football is the second-biggest over there behind swimming - all the kids are playing it and it is thriving.
WHY MOVE ON?
If you look at the Australian squad who were at the World Cup, everyone is playing in Europe.
I was part of the training squad for that this summer but just missed out and that was one of the reasons for moving over here - I don't want to miss out again.
I was told it was down to match fitness - the A-League in Australia is only 21 games and I wasn't playing games when the selection was made.
LEAVING HOME
The Australian Football Federation did not want me to leave because they were trying to protect their League.
They don't want to see their best young players go - but I thought it was the right time to leave.
I always wanted to play in Europe, whether it was in England or on the continent, so this was always going to be the next step.
I knew QPR had a great history and that they were a big club who had been in the Premier League.
I looked into it and weighed up my options - I just thought it was a great opportunity and I know Australia is always going to be there for me to go back to if things don't work out.
SETTLING IN
This is a challenge and I am relishing it.
I have settled in quite well. I have been here four weeks and am in my new flat now and have got a car so everything is going well.
My parents are both from England and emigrated to Australia so we were the only ones there and the rest of the family is here. I am not here on my own so things are not too bad.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I think I have made the right decision and the two games I have played in already have been a good experience and enlightened me to a different style of play.
It is a different style of play over here to what I am used to. In Australia, teams are more patient and there are not as many long balls.
That is something that will take a few games to get used to because I am a player who likes it a little more on the ground.
It is a bit more physical too and I have noticed you can get away with a bit more over here - but they are all little things and I don't see them as a problem.
AIMING HIGH
I enjoyed my home debut against Leeds - there was a great crowd and atmosphere and Loftus Road is a really good ground too.
It was a tough match and I don't think I played one of my better games but there is better stuff to come.
As an attacking midfielder I want to score goals.
With the amount of games in the season if I stay injury free and can play regularly then I will be looking to score about 10 goals a season.
Those are my personal goals and as for the team, well we have to aim for the play-offs.
BBC
Blackstock Signs for QPR
-
Dextor Blackstock Joins QPR from Southampton for an Undisclosed FeeQPR Official Site
QPR Official Site - STRIKING A BALANCE
QPR have added to their attacking options by completing the signing of Southampton striker Dextor Blackstock, for an undisclosed fee.
The 20 year-old front-man today penned a three year contract at Loftus Road, and in doing so becomes Gary Waddock's seventh signing of the summer.
A scorer of three goals in just seven first team starts last season, Blackstock - who is a quick, athletic and powerful predator - is in line to make his debut against Southend United this weekend.
"It's great to be here,'' Blackstock told qpr.co.uk moments after putting pen to paper.
"It had all gone a bit stale for me at Southampton and the chance to move to London was just too good to turn down. It's a fresh challenge for me and I couldn't be any happier.
"I had a nice chat with Gary Waddock, who told me about the hunger and desire of the Rangers squad, so there was never any doubt I'd sign.
"I've always enjoyed playing at Loftus Road in the past, so I'm really excited about making my debut here.''
Waddock believes Blackstock will perfectly complement the group of strikers he currently has at his disposal, commenting: "He was at the top of my list when I first took over as Caretaker Manager, so I'm ecstatic.
"I've been monitoring his progress since he was a kid, so it's magnificent that we've finally got him on board.
"He's quick, intelligent and is a natural goalscorer.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted that the R's prolonged search for a striker is finally over, saying: "It's a huge signing for us - we've been after him for the last four months or so.
"He's the type of player Gary has been looking for and I'm delighted we've beat a number of top Club's to his signature.
"He's a young player, with superb potential and I'm confident he can achieve big things here.
"It's a sign of our intent that we've signed a player of his calibre and I'm sure the fans will join me in wishing him a successful stay at Loftus Road.''
QPR Official Site
Southampton Official Site
Dexter Blackstock has joined QPR for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old striker has moved on to the Londoners after three years on the south coast.
He joined Saints as a scholar from Oxford United but quickly became popular amongst fans after bagging a hat-trick against Colchester and scoring against local rivals Portsmouth in the 2004/5 season.
The arrivals of Grzegorz Rasiak and Bradley Wright Philips this season however have pushed Blackstock down the pecking order prompting his switch to the capital.
Blackstock has today put pen to paper on a three year deal at Loftus Road.
Southampton
Dexter Blackstock's Stats: Clubs/Games/Goals
Dextor Blackstock Joins QPR from Southampton for an Undisclosed FeeQPR Official Site
QPR Official Site - STRIKING A BALANCE
QPR have added to their attacking options by completing the signing of Southampton striker Dextor Blackstock, for an undisclosed fee.
The 20 year-old front-man today penned a three year contract at Loftus Road, and in doing so becomes Gary Waddock's seventh signing of the summer.
A scorer of three goals in just seven first team starts last season, Blackstock - who is a quick, athletic and powerful predator - is in line to make his debut against Southend United this weekend.
"It's great to be here,'' Blackstock told qpr.co.uk moments after putting pen to paper.
"It had all gone a bit stale for me at Southampton and the chance to move to London was just too good to turn down. It's a fresh challenge for me and I couldn't be any happier.
"I had a nice chat with Gary Waddock, who told me about the hunger and desire of the Rangers squad, so there was never any doubt I'd sign.
"I've always enjoyed playing at Loftus Road in the past, so I'm really excited about making my debut here.''
Waddock believes Blackstock will perfectly complement the group of strikers he currently has at his disposal, commenting: "He was at the top of my list when I first took over as Caretaker Manager, so I'm ecstatic.
"I've been monitoring his progress since he was a kid, so it's magnificent that we've finally got him on board.
"He's quick, intelligent and is a natural goalscorer.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted that the R's prolonged search for a striker is finally over, saying: "It's a huge signing for us - we've been after him for the last four months or so.
"He's the type of player Gary has been looking for and I'm delighted we've beat a number of top Club's to his signature.
"He's a young player, with superb potential and I'm confident he can achieve big things here.
"It's a sign of our intent that we've signed a player of his calibre and I'm sure the fans will join me in wishing him a successful stay at Loftus Road.''
QPR Official Site
Southampton Official Site
Dexter Blackstock has joined QPR for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old striker has moved on to the Londoners after three years on the south coast.
He joined Saints as a scholar from Oxford United but quickly became popular amongst fans after bagging a hat-trick against Colchester and scoring against local rivals Portsmouth in the 2004/5 season.
The arrivals of Grzegorz Rasiak and Bradley Wright Philips this season however have pushed Blackstock down the pecking order prompting his switch to the capital.
Blackstock has today put pen to paper on a three year deal at Loftus Road.
Southampton
Dexter Blackstock's Stats: Clubs/Games/Goals
"Snippet" re QPR's Official Website: Material Removed
-
Just a "snippet" for QPR's Official Website: REMOVED MATERIAL
For whatever reason, there's been a change on the Official Site in recent days (which just noticed today)....
If one goes to the QPR Official Site
and look for "Past stories" - which includes news accounts/Match Reports/Transfer announcements and Official Statements: These past stories (as recently as last week) can no longer be found on the Official Site's "News Archives." Dating back to stories since late June, they are no longer included in the "Display Stories from Week" (although the articles CAN still be found if you know the exact url) The only things currently listed for this period are "QPR (video) World Interviews."
Whether this is temporary or permanent; whether it's going to be extended further back in removing material; and whether it is the case at other Championship websites, have to see.
(feel free to email at QPRreport@hotmail.com )
Just a "snippet" for QPR's Official Website: REMOVED MATERIAL
For whatever reason, there's been a change on the Official Site in recent days (which just noticed today)....
If one goes to the QPR Official Site
and look for "Past stories" - which includes news accounts/Match Reports/Transfer announcements and Official Statements: These past stories (as recently as last week) can no longer be found on the Official Site's "News Archives." Dating back to stories since late June, they are no longer included in the "Display Stories from Week" (although the articles CAN still be found if you know the exact url) The only things currently listed for this period are "QPR (video) World Interviews."
Whether this is temporary or permanent; whether it's going to be extended further back in removing material; and whether it is the case at other Championship websites, have to see.
(feel free to email at QPRreport@hotmail.com )
Ex-QPR's Steve Palmer on Shittu, Waddock & QPR (Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury Times)
-
Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury Times
Palmer backs Dan to be a hit
09 August 2006
FORMER QPR captain Steve Palmer is convinced Danny Shittu has the ability to make it in the Premiership following his move to Watford.
Palmer played alongside Shittu several times in the centre of defence during his three years at Loftus Road as Rangers battled to climb out of Division Two.
And it was newly-promoted Watford, another of Palmer's former teams, who finally won the race to sign the big centre-back last weekend after having two earlier bids flatly rejected.
Palmer, a member of the last Hornets side to reach the top flight, insisted: "Danny's got all the attributes to be a top-class footballer.
"When he first came to QPR it was really his start in league football, but he worked very hard, continued to develop and I'm sure he will do well at the highest level.
"I feel Watford are going to approach the Premiership differently from when I was there - they'll spend a bit of money and I hope they do well this season."
Palmer, who started his career at Ipswich, carved out a successful career at Vicarage Road, helping the Hornets to two successive promotions in 1998 and 1999.
He became a key figure as Ian Holloway rebuilt a Rangers side ravaged by relegation and administration in 2001 and clocked up 143 appearances in blue and white hoops.
Released by the Rs after promotion in 2004, Palmer joined Milton Keynes Dons as player-coach, but left the club at the end of last year and announced his retirement from the game.
Now working as performance manager with nine to 16-year-old players at Tottenham's Academy, Palmer still keeps an eye on events at QPR and believes the club are moving in the right direction under Gary Waddock.
He said: "Gary's got them playing the way he wants them to - he's an experienced man and a good QPR man.
"I know there have been a lot of changes going on at the club, but I'm sure he'll do well with the team that he's building and get them pushing towards the top of the league.
"The standard at the top level is definitely continuing to rise and I'm sure that will filter down.
"To get there I think you need a bit of luck, some stability and good leadership and to play the right way.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club. I made a great deal of friends there and I look forward to going back there to watch the team play.
Article
Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury Times
Palmer backs Dan to be a hit
09 August 2006
FORMER QPR captain Steve Palmer is convinced Danny Shittu has the ability to make it in the Premiership following his move to Watford.
Palmer played alongside Shittu several times in the centre of defence during his three years at Loftus Road as Rangers battled to climb out of Division Two.
And it was newly-promoted Watford, another of Palmer's former teams, who finally won the race to sign the big centre-back last weekend after having two earlier bids flatly rejected.
Palmer, a member of the last Hornets side to reach the top flight, insisted: "Danny's got all the attributes to be a top-class footballer.
"When he first came to QPR it was really his start in league football, but he worked very hard, continued to develop and I'm sure he will do well at the highest level.
"I feel Watford are going to approach the Premiership differently from when I was there - they'll spend a bit of money and I hope they do well this season."
Palmer, who started his career at Ipswich, carved out a successful career at Vicarage Road, helping the Hornets to two successive promotions in 1998 and 1999.
He became a key figure as Ian Holloway rebuilt a Rangers side ravaged by relegation and administration in 2001 and clocked up 143 appearances in blue and white hoops.
Released by the Rs after promotion in 2004, Palmer joined Milton Keynes Dons as player-coach, but left the club at the end of last year and announced his retirement from the game.
Now working as performance manager with nine to 16-year-old players at Tottenham's Academy, Palmer still keeps an eye on events at QPR and believes the club are moving in the right direction under Gary Waddock.
He said: "Gary's got them playing the way he wants them to - he's an experienced man and a good QPR man.
"I know there have been a lot of changes going on at the club, but I'm sure he'll do well with the team that he's building and get them pushing towards the top of the league.
"The standard at the top level is definitely continuing to rise and I'm sure that will filter down.
"To get there I think you need a bit of luck, some stability and good leadership and to play the right way.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club. I made a great deal of friends there and I look forward to going back there to watch the team play.
Article
Further Reports & Comments
-
The Sun
QPR 2 Leeds 2
AIDAN MAGEE
RANGERS snatched an injury-time equaliser through sub Shabazz Baidoo and manager Gary Waddock insisted: You can’t write us off.
Baidoo, 18, turned the ball in at the near post after Gareth Ainsworth pulled back a Lee Cook cross.
Waddock said: “Many people have been saying we’re going to struggle but I don’t think that and neither do the players here.
“People can write us off — I don’t mind that. Our fitness levels are good and I felt we could have got even more out of the game.
“I thought the game changed when Ray Jones came on in the second half. He and Shabazz are only 18 but they were a handful.”
Leeds were ahead in the 65th minute when Steve Stone’s cross was headed against the bar by David Healy. Geoff Horsfield got the ball back from the by-line and Eddie Lewis volleyed in.
Rangers were level after 81 minutes when Stephen Crainey fouled Ainsworth in the box and Martin Rowlands blasted the spot-kick past Tony Warner.
The home side looked to have been sunk a minute later when Steve Stone’s pass found Horsfield, and the former Fulham man volleyed past Paul Jones.
Then in injury time sub Baidoo gave the home fans plenty to cheer.
Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell was seething though. He said: “We will have to go up the motorway now knowing we have shot ourselves in the foot.
“I didn’t think their first equaliser was a penalty, but then you only have to fart in the box to concede a penalty these days.
“I’ve given the players a tongue-lashing afterwards. A few of them had better buck their ideas up or they won’t be here long enough to find out what will happen to them.”
- The Sun
Blackwell angry - QPR 2 - 2 Leeds United
By Rich Baggott - August 8 2006Sportsnetwork
Leeds manager, Kevin Blackwell was fuming with his players following the 2 - 2 draw with QPR, despite and impressive performance from Leeds
Leeds took the their travels for the first time this season with an away trip to QPR, a team favored by many to be fighting relegation towards the end of the season and an unchanged line up from the team that beat Norwich last Saturday took to the field.
Within the opening minutes it became clear that QPR were packing out the midfield and finding the space on the ball needed. Blackwell changed it round, dropping Healy deeper but playing him in a creative role in front of the midfield. The move worked and Leeds quickly began to dominate for long periods of the first half.
Leeds evened out the goal efforts tally from the few that QPR had created in the opening exchanges. Horsfield nearly latched on to a poor back pass and butler had a good chance with a header - next Healy had a chance and midfielder, Steve Stone, fully recovered from the injury nightmare of the past two season had two great chances that were well saved by Paul Jones in the QPR net.
The Leeds side continued to push with the midfield passing well and push for an opening. Lewis linking up well to fire in the crosses and even Kelly had an excellent chance just after the half hour mark. A goal was looking inevitable.
Bakke, who appeared to be carrying a knock was substituted just after half time, making way for new signing, Westlake and the change did nothing to dampen the Leeds charge. Lewis, Healy, Horsfield and Stone were all pushing and looking dangerous and the goal finally came on 64 minutes. Healy fired a shot onto the bar and Lewis latched on to the rebound and struck a clean shot that left Jones with no chance.
Still Leeds pushed and could have added to the telly straight way with another Horsfield effort and it looked in danger of becoming a whitewash for the QPR fans.
Against the run of play though, a QPR attack ended up with a clumsy challenge from Stephen Crainey - who again had an impressive night prior to the foul. Penalty awarded and Martin Rowlands pulled the scores level.
Refusing to accept a draw as an acceptable end to the game, Leeds responded immediately and restored their one goal advantage. An excellent ball by Stone set up Horsfield superbly and the loan signing opened his account for Leeds with a smart finish.
In the final ten minutes though, Leeds let down their guard and QPR began to come back into the game - A side that looked well organsied and determined for so long suddenly rolled over and invited QPR in to equalise. Two minutes into injury time, the inevitable happened and substitute Shabazz Baidoo poked home from close range to bring the scores level.
In his post match interview, Leeds manager could not hide his anger and frustration with the players for throwing the game in the way they did - whilst acknowledging the stylish and impressive performance, he made it clear that it was not acceptable to perform like that and then lose 2 points. To quote a number of players had received some "Harsh Words" in the dressing room, with Blackwell even stating that players who didn't perform to the required level would be OUT of the club!
It's 4 points from two games from Leeds and Blackwell reaction, coupled with the impressive performance this evening, demonstrates clearly the high standards the club has set itself this year!
http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s277/st101961.htm
BLACKWELL ANGRY AFTER DRAW
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~879446,00.html
Kevin Blackwell was an angry manager today after watching his Leeds United side dominate the Championship game against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last night before suffering a late sucker punch.
Eddie Lewis gave United the lead after 65 minutes but Martin Rowlands equalised from the penalty spot nine minutes from the end. United deservedly went back into the lead a minute later when Geoff Horsfield netted his first goal for the club only for substitute Shabazz Baidoo to grab a last gasp equaliser for Rangers.
The ending left Blackwell fuming. "I told my players if they don't buck their ideas up they will not be around here long enough to make me unhappy again. They have felt the sharp edge of my tongue," he said.
"The players were feeling very down in the dressing room because they knew they had shot themselves in the foot. We were our own worst enemy. I am angry for the players because they were brilliant for most of the game but you have to hope that people learn from their mistakes.
"If people make mistakes and they are genuine ones then fair enough but if it is something I think they can control then they are in danger of losing their place and if they lose their place it is going to be difficult to get it back," he added.
After watching his side play some excellent football and create numerous chances, the gaffer was understandably left feeling frustrated to have seen two points snatched from his team right at the end.
"We have competition for places because we are a club in demand and I am demanding of the players. Make no bones about it if they don't do it then they will suffer for it," he said.
"I think the lads let themselves down after what had been a first class performance. People saw a very good Leeds United side and if we play like that and create ten or eleven chances and dominate the game as much as that you have got to win more games than you lose," he added
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~879446,00.html
Leeds Today
The one that got away
In the shadow of Loftus Road lies Batman Close, a curiously-named street which makes the home of Queens Park Rangers a suitable location for make-believe. . .
Superheroes are in short supply at the London club but, on the evidence of Leeds United's evening in the capital, their appetite for tall stories is vigorous. The records will list last night's result as a 2-2 draw, but a simplistic result cannot come close to depicting the fortuitous nature of QPR's point.
In the space of only four days, Kevin Blackwell has experienced a contrast of emotion rarely associated with first week of a new season. After parrying suggestions that his players were ill-deserving of their 1-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday, United's irate manager stepped on to the other side of the fence yesterday evening to explain exactly how their dominant performance had yielded a deflating draw. But as angry as he felt last night, perspective will be Blackwell's most reliable friend between now and his return to London on Sunday.
By the time Leeds kick off against Crystal Palace this weekend, the benefit of time will allow him to see last night's game for what it was – a mis-match between two clubs whose seasons should bear no comparison by the turn of the year. United's issue was simply one of ruthlessness. Gary Waddock, the QPR manager, would not be expected to entertain notions that his side escaped lightly, but privately he will wonder why Rangers were given the chance to slip the noose.
Between the start of the second half and Rangers' first goal, which came from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, the hosts were barely given a sniff of Tony Warner in United's goal. While Blackwell's defence often lacked conviction, Rangers' threat had diminished to the point of non-existent by the time Stephen Crainey felled Gareth Ainsworth inside the box and breathed life into a match which seemed ready to reward Leeds with a second straight victory.
Had the win been forthcoming, United would have joined the three-way tie which exists at the top of the Championship. But, after two games of the season, the division is already revealing the importance of staying in touch, rather than leading the way. Escaping by Christmas, as Reading and Sheffield United did last season, may prove impossible, but prominence by March is nothing short of vital for those clubs who covet Premiership status.
Last night's performance contained enough quality to mark out Leeds as a team capable of maintaining pace with the pack, although Blackwell's squad is still in need of a sustained period of polishing. United's manager was again forced to reshape his line-up at an early stage last night - as he had on Saturday – by dropping an increasingly ill-fated 4-4-2 system and employing a five-man midfield.
For all his creditable attacking attentions, the first week of the season may have convinced Blackwell beyond doubt that his players are best suited to a solitary striker. There is no question that their games against Norwich and QPR have both turned on tactical alterations, and last night's switch was an important answer to the early threat posed by Rangers.
For a team tipped to be derailed by the Championship this season, QPR started like a train. Blackwell had predicted as much, but even he will have been surprised by the attacking verve shown by Waddock's players.
Pushed forward by Nick Ward, the creative link between QPR's midfield and lone striker Adam Czerkas, the hosts found themselves eye-to-eye with Warner twice inside the first four minutes.
Czerkas wasted the first chance – created by poor communication between Warner and Matthew Kilgallon - by scuffing his shot, and Ward drove a low strike in the hands of United's keeper after running into a huge gap between Kilgallon and Paul Butler.
But the onslaught was predictably brief, and the change of shape implemented by Blackwell allowed the chances to flow for Leeds before half-time.
Eddie Lewis' 19th-minute corner created the clearest opportunity which David Healy stabbed against the legs of Paul Jones, and the Northern Ireland international brought another good reaction from the QPR keeper eight minutes later.
Healy's second opportunity was the direct result of the creativity of Steve Stone, a player whose performance above all others will have given Blackwell reason for optimism last night.
Stone's appearances have totalled six since his move to Elland Road last summer, and it is barely contentious to say that yesterday evening's performance was his best in a United shirt to date.
But the 34-year-old is beginning to offer another option to Blackwell and, though brought on board to run the right wing, Stone played with the aura of midfield playmaker during his 90-minute appearance.
His tireless running was complemented by slick passing and decisive vision, and Stone had a hand in both of the visitors' goals in the second half.
Sustained pressure from Blackwell's side eventually burst the dam in front of them when Healy connected with Stone's 64th-minute cross, lifting his header over Jones and against the underside of the crossbar. The ball bounced kindly to Lewis, who drove a controlled volley into the corner of the net with Rangers' keeper badly out of position.
The goal should have been sufficient to settle the match, but the game – and the revival of Rangers' flagging optimism – hinged on a contentious penalty decision 10 minutes before full time.
Referee Kevin Friend, whose fussy officiating punctured the game's flow, penalised Stephen Crainey after the Scottish defender clattered into the back of Gareth Ainsworth, and Martin Rowlands beat Warner with a well-struck penalty.
United's response was brutal, however, as Stone's lob 60 seconds later dropped over Rangers' defence and into the path of Geoff Horsfield, who took a touch before volleyed his first goal for United past Jones.
Blackwell was ready to travel home happy, but his defence had one more gift to offer Rangers as the match edged into injury time. Lee Cook sent a cross arcing over the head of Crainey, and when Ainsworth cut the ball back from Warner's byline, Shabazz Baidoo reacted first to turn his shot into the net.
QPR might – and should – have stolen the points during a finish which resembled a cup-tie and presented two inviting chances for Ray Jones, but Blackwell's sense of an opportunity missed could not have been deepened by a third QPR goal.
His anger will persist today, although is should not last for long. In the grand scheme of the Championship, two points dropped in August are unlikely to bite United in May. And if last night's result is to be of long-term value, it will be in teaching Blackwell's players to control their own destiny, and not to trust to luck.
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=46&ArticleID=1682340
LEAGUE TABLE
P GD PTS
1 Crystal Palace 2 3 6
2 Burnley 2 3 6
3 Luton 2 3 6
4 West Brom 2 2 4
5 Leeds 2 1 4
6 Cardiff 2 1 4
7 Wolverhampton 2 1 4
8 Plymouth 2 1 4
9 Birmingham 1 1 3
10 Coventry 1 1 3
11 Norwich 2 1 3
12 Stoke 2 1 3
13 Barnsley 2 0 3
14 Southend 2 -1 3
15 Southampton 1 0 1
16 Sheff Wed 2 -1 1
17 Derby 2 -2 1
18 QPR 2 -2 1
19 Preston 2 -2 1
20 Sunderland 1 -1 0
21 Colchester 2 -2 0
22 Ipswich 2 -2 0
23 Hull 2 -3 0
24 Leicester 2 -3 0
Table
The Sun
QPR 2 Leeds 2
AIDAN MAGEE
RANGERS snatched an injury-time equaliser through sub Shabazz Baidoo and manager Gary Waddock insisted: You can’t write us off.
Baidoo, 18, turned the ball in at the near post after Gareth Ainsworth pulled back a Lee Cook cross.
Waddock said: “Many people have been saying we’re going to struggle but I don’t think that and neither do the players here.
“People can write us off — I don’t mind that. Our fitness levels are good and I felt we could have got even more out of the game.
“I thought the game changed when Ray Jones came on in the second half. He and Shabazz are only 18 but they were a handful.”
Leeds were ahead in the 65th minute when Steve Stone’s cross was headed against the bar by David Healy. Geoff Horsfield got the ball back from the by-line and Eddie Lewis volleyed in.
Rangers were level after 81 minutes when Stephen Crainey fouled Ainsworth in the box and Martin Rowlands blasted the spot-kick past Tony Warner.
The home side looked to have been sunk a minute later when Steve Stone’s pass found Horsfield, and the former Fulham man volleyed past Paul Jones.
Then in injury time sub Baidoo gave the home fans plenty to cheer.
Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell was seething though. He said: “We will have to go up the motorway now knowing we have shot ourselves in the foot.
“I didn’t think their first equaliser was a penalty, but then you only have to fart in the box to concede a penalty these days.
“I’ve given the players a tongue-lashing afterwards. A few of them had better buck their ideas up or they won’t be here long enough to find out what will happen to them.”
- The Sun
Blackwell angry - QPR 2 - 2 Leeds United
By Rich Baggott - August 8 2006Sportsnetwork
Leeds manager, Kevin Blackwell was fuming with his players following the 2 - 2 draw with QPR, despite and impressive performance from Leeds
Leeds took the their travels for the first time this season with an away trip to QPR, a team favored by many to be fighting relegation towards the end of the season and an unchanged line up from the team that beat Norwich last Saturday took to the field.
Within the opening minutes it became clear that QPR were packing out the midfield and finding the space on the ball needed. Blackwell changed it round, dropping Healy deeper but playing him in a creative role in front of the midfield. The move worked and Leeds quickly began to dominate for long periods of the first half.
Leeds evened out the goal efforts tally from the few that QPR had created in the opening exchanges. Horsfield nearly latched on to a poor back pass and butler had a good chance with a header - next Healy had a chance and midfielder, Steve Stone, fully recovered from the injury nightmare of the past two season had two great chances that were well saved by Paul Jones in the QPR net.
The Leeds side continued to push with the midfield passing well and push for an opening. Lewis linking up well to fire in the crosses and even Kelly had an excellent chance just after the half hour mark. A goal was looking inevitable.
Bakke, who appeared to be carrying a knock was substituted just after half time, making way for new signing, Westlake and the change did nothing to dampen the Leeds charge. Lewis, Healy, Horsfield and Stone were all pushing and looking dangerous and the goal finally came on 64 minutes. Healy fired a shot onto the bar and Lewis latched on to the rebound and struck a clean shot that left Jones with no chance.
Still Leeds pushed and could have added to the telly straight way with another Horsfield effort and it looked in danger of becoming a whitewash for the QPR fans.
Against the run of play though, a QPR attack ended up with a clumsy challenge from Stephen Crainey - who again had an impressive night prior to the foul. Penalty awarded and Martin Rowlands pulled the scores level.
Refusing to accept a draw as an acceptable end to the game, Leeds responded immediately and restored their one goal advantage. An excellent ball by Stone set up Horsfield superbly and the loan signing opened his account for Leeds with a smart finish.
In the final ten minutes though, Leeds let down their guard and QPR began to come back into the game - A side that looked well organsied and determined for so long suddenly rolled over and invited QPR in to equalise. Two minutes into injury time, the inevitable happened and substitute Shabazz Baidoo poked home from close range to bring the scores level.
In his post match interview, Leeds manager could not hide his anger and frustration with the players for throwing the game in the way they did - whilst acknowledging the stylish and impressive performance, he made it clear that it was not acceptable to perform like that and then lose 2 points. To quote a number of players had received some "Harsh Words" in the dressing room, with Blackwell even stating that players who didn't perform to the required level would be OUT of the club!
It's 4 points from two games from Leeds and Blackwell reaction, coupled with the impressive performance this evening, demonstrates clearly the high standards the club has set itself this year!
http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s277/st101961.htm
BLACKWELL ANGRY AFTER DRAW
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~879446,00.html
Kevin Blackwell was an angry manager today after watching his Leeds United side dominate the Championship game against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last night before suffering a late sucker punch.
Eddie Lewis gave United the lead after 65 minutes but Martin Rowlands equalised from the penalty spot nine minutes from the end. United deservedly went back into the lead a minute later when Geoff Horsfield netted his first goal for the club only for substitute Shabazz Baidoo to grab a last gasp equaliser for Rangers.
The ending left Blackwell fuming. "I told my players if they don't buck their ideas up they will not be around here long enough to make me unhappy again. They have felt the sharp edge of my tongue," he said.
"The players were feeling very down in the dressing room because they knew they had shot themselves in the foot. We were our own worst enemy. I am angry for the players because they were brilliant for most of the game but you have to hope that people learn from their mistakes.
"If people make mistakes and they are genuine ones then fair enough but if it is something I think they can control then they are in danger of losing their place and if they lose their place it is going to be difficult to get it back," he added.
After watching his side play some excellent football and create numerous chances, the gaffer was understandably left feeling frustrated to have seen two points snatched from his team right at the end.
"We have competition for places because we are a club in demand and I am demanding of the players. Make no bones about it if they don't do it then they will suffer for it," he said.
"I think the lads let themselves down after what had been a first class performance. People saw a very good Leeds United side and if we play like that and create ten or eleven chances and dominate the game as much as that you have got to win more games than you lose," he added
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~879446,00.html
Leeds Today
The one that got away
In the shadow of Loftus Road lies Batman Close, a curiously-named street which makes the home of Queens Park Rangers a suitable location for make-believe. . .
Superheroes are in short supply at the London club but, on the evidence of Leeds United's evening in the capital, their appetite for tall stories is vigorous. The records will list last night's result as a 2-2 draw, but a simplistic result cannot come close to depicting the fortuitous nature of QPR's point.
In the space of only four days, Kevin Blackwell has experienced a contrast of emotion rarely associated with first week of a new season. After parrying suggestions that his players were ill-deserving of their 1-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday, United's irate manager stepped on to the other side of the fence yesterday evening to explain exactly how their dominant performance had yielded a deflating draw. But as angry as he felt last night, perspective will be Blackwell's most reliable friend between now and his return to London on Sunday.
By the time Leeds kick off against Crystal Palace this weekend, the benefit of time will allow him to see last night's game for what it was – a mis-match between two clubs whose seasons should bear no comparison by the turn of the year. United's issue was simply one of ruthlessness. Gary Waddock, the QPR manager, would not be expected to entertain notions that his side escaped lightly, but privately he will wonder why Rangers were given the chance to slip the noose.
Between the start of the second half and Rangers' first goal, which came from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, the hosts were barely given a sniff of Tony Warner in United's goal. While Blackwell's defence often lacked conviction, Rangers' threat had diminished to the point of non-existent by the time Stephen Crainey felled Gareth Ainsworth inside the box and breathed life into a match which seemed ready to reward Leeds with a second straight victory.
Had the win been forthcoming, United would have joined the three-way tie which exists at the top of the Championship. But, after two games of the season, the division is already revealing the importance of staying in touch, rather than leading the way. Escaping by Christmas, as Reading and Sheffield United did last season, may prove impossible, but prominence by March is nothing short of vital for those clubs who covet Premiership status.
Last night's performance contained enough quality to mark out Leeds as a team capable of maintaining pace with the pack, although Blackwell's squad is still in need of a sustained period of polishing. United's manager was again forced to reshape his line-up at an early stage last night - as he had on Saturday – by dropping an increasingly ill-fated 4-4-2 system and employing a five-man midfield.
For all his creditable attacking attentions, the first week of the season may have convinced Blackwell beyond doubt that his players are best suited to a solitary striker. There is no question that their games against Norwich and QPR have both turned on tactical alterations, and last night's switch was an important answer to the early threat posed by Rangers.
For a team tipped to be derailed by the Championship this season, QPR started like a train. Blackwell had predicted as much, but even he will have been surprised by the attacking verve shown by Waddock's players.
Pushed forward by Nick Ward, the creative link between QPR's midfield and lone striker Adam Czerkas, the hosts found themselves eye-to-eye with Warner twice inside the first four minutes.
Czerkas wasted the first chance – created by poor communication between Warner and Matthew Kilgallon - by scuffing his shot, and Ward drove a low strike in the hands of United's keeper after running into a huge gap between Kilgallon and Paul Butler.
But the onslaught was predictably brief, and the change of shape implemented by Blackwell allowed the chances to flow for Leeds before half-time.
Eddie Lewis' 19th-minute corner created the clearest opportunity which David Healy stabbed against the legs of Paul Jones, and the Northern Ireland international brought another good reaction from the QPR keeper eight minutes later.
Healy's second opportunity was the direct result of the creativity of Steve Stone, a player whose performance above all others will have given Blackwell reason for optimism last night.
Stone's appearances have totalled six since his move to Elland Road last summer, and it is barely contentious to say that yesterday evening's performance was his best in a United shirt to date.
But the 34-year-old is beginning to offer another option to Blackwell and, though brought on board to run the right wing, Stone played with the aura of midfield playmaker during his 90-minute appearance.
His tireless running was complemented by slick passing and decisive vision, and Stone had a hand in both of the visitors' goals in the second half.
Sustained pressure from Blackwell's side eventually burst the dam in front of them when Healy connected with Stone's 64th-minute cross, lifting his header over Jones and against the underside of the crossbar. The ball bounced kindly to Lewis, who drove a controlled volley into the corner of the net with Rangers' keeper badly out of position.
The goal should have been sufficient to settle the match, but the game – and the revival of Rangers' flagging optimism – hinged on a contentious penalty decision 10 minutes before full time.
Referee Kevin Friend, whose fussy officiating punctured the game's flow, penalised Stephen Crainey after the Scottish defender clattered into the back of Gareth Ainsworth, and Martin Rowlands beat Warner with a well-struck penalty.
United's response was brutal, however, as Stone's lob 60 seconds later dropped over Rangers' defence and into the path of Geoff Horsfield, who took a touch before volleyed his first goal for United past Jones.
Blackwell was ready to travel home happy, but his defence had one more gift to offer Rangers as the match edged into injury time. Lee Cook sent a cross arcing over the head of Crainey, and when Ainsworth cut the ball back from Warner's byline, Shabazz Baidoo reacted first to turn his shot into the net.
QPR might – and should – have stolen the points during a finish which resembled a cup-tie and presented two inviting chances for Ray Jones, but Blackwell's sense of an opportunity missed could not have been deepened by a third QPR goal.
His anger will persist today, although is should not last for long. In the grand scheme of the Championship, two points dropped in August are unlikely to bite United in May. And if last night's result is to be of long-term value, it will be in teaching Blackwell's players to control their own destiny, and not to trust to luck.
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=46&ArticleID=1682340
LEAGUE TABLE
P GD PTS
1 Crystal Palace 2 3 6
2 Burnley 2 3 6
3 Luton 2 3 6
4 West Brom 2 2 4
5 Leeds 2 1 4
6 Cardiff 2 1 4
7 Wolverhampton 2 1 4
8 Plymouth 2 1 4
9 Birmingham 1 1 3
10 Coventry 1 1 3
11 Norwich 2 1 3
12 Stoke 2 1 3
13 Barnsley 2 0 3
14 Southend 2 -1 3
15 Southampton 1 0 1
16 Sheff Wed 2 -1 1
17 Derby 2 -2 1
18 QPR 2 -2 1
19 Preston 2 -2 1
20 Sunderland 1 -1 0
21 Colchester 2 -2 0
22 Ipswich 2 -2 0
23 Hull 2 -3 0
24 Leicester 2 -3 0
Table
Ex-QPR's Don Givens Turns 57
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Former QPR STAR, DON Givens
Don Givens - Born August 9th 1949.
Signed from Luton for 35,000 pounds in the summer of 1972 as a partial replacement for Rodney Marsh. The ex-Man United forward formed a forward line that was signed betwee July and October 1972: Givens, Bowles and Thomas, that took QPR out of the Second Division and was part of QPR's Championshp team in 1975/1976. Givens scored 23 goals in 41 appearances in that first season.
Eventually was sold to Jim Smith's Birmingham in 1978 for about 150,000 pounds...Ended up playing in Switzerland. And is currently the Republic of Ireland's U-21 Coach.
Also scored prolifically for the Republic of Ireland
QPR & Birmingham Record
Republic of Ireland Record
Former QPR STAR, DON Givens
Don Givens - Born August 9th 1949.
Signed from Luton for 35,000 pounds in the summer of 1972 as a partial replacement for Rodney Marsh. The ex-Man United forward formed a forward line that was signed betwee July and October 1972: Givens, Bowles and Thomas, that took QPR out of the Second Division and was part of QPR's Championshp team in 1975/1976. Givens scored 23 goals in 41 appearances in that first season.
Eventually was sold to Jim Smith's Birmingham in 1978 for about 150,000 pounds...Ended up playing in Switzerland. And is currently the Republic of Ireland's U-21 Coach.
Also scored prolifically for the Republic of Ireland
QPR & Birmingham Record
Republic of Ireland Record
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
QPR 2 Leeds 2 - Reports & Comments
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Telegraph
Queens Park Rangers (0) 2 Leeds United (0) 2
Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell was livid after Shabazz Baidoo struck an injury-time equaliser for Queens Park Rangers last night. He even threatened some of his players with a swift exit unless there is marked improvement in their performances.
"We know we have to win at places like this," said Blackwell. ''We've played well tonight and nobody could say that we haven't deserved to win.
''But I've given the players a tongue-lashing after the game because the performance in the last few minutes was just unacceptable.
''A few of them had better buck their ideas up because a few of them might not be around long enough to find out what I will do to them.
"We committed hara-kiri and I'm not putting up with it. When you get in a winning position, you do not throw it away.
"If I've upset a few people, I'm sorry - but that's life."
Blackwell refused to confirm that Leeds are poised to sign defender Mo Camara from Celtic on a season-long loan deal.
Blackwell could spare Eddie Lewis from criticism, a player who looked sharp on the night, volleying home with some abandon after 64 minutes as QPR's resistance wilted.
Steve Stone's cross had been headed on to the crossbar by David Healy, before Geoff Horsfield dragged the ball back from the deadball line for Lewis to finish the job.
Rangers hit back through Martin Rowlands' 80th-minute penalty after the dangerous Gareth Ainsworth had been taken out by Stephen Crainey.
A minute later, however, Horsfield beat the offside trap after Stone had again acted as provider, lobbing the ball over the top to set up a cool finish.
However, Baidoo was not to be thwarted in the final seconds, managing to nip in front of Tony Warner for the second equaliser, following an excellent surging run by Lee Cook.
Leeds looked menacing early on when Healy and Lewis pressed forward. Healy, in particular, was all set to fire Leeds into the lead when he seized on Stone's pass in the 26th minute, but his disappointingly tame shot was smothered by goalkeeper Paul Jones.
What is it with Healy? His Premiership potential is often trumpeted, never more so than after his winner for Northern Ireland over England last year, and this was the type of opportunity he should have buried.
It was a less than glorious half all round for Leeds' thin supply of internationals, with Republic of Ireland defender Gary Kelly firing well over from Lewis' deft set-up.
The encouraging sign for their fans, though, was that, while lethargy laced their opening performance against Norwich City, purpose appeared to be prevailing here.
QPR still seem to be the stuff of mid-table - sturdy and positive, but with a defensive susceptibility that Leeds should have more easily exploited.
Stone was at the heart of many of move, being denied twice inside a minute by the athleticism of Jones. Then came one of the game's clearest chances, after 38 minutes, when Jones pushed Eirik Bakke's powerful free-kick past his right-hand post, having seen the ball late.
At least they continued to threaten up front, Adam Czerkas showing a neat turn of pace and Ainsworth turning Crainey inside out in the second half. Damion Stewart posed a danger, too, but was too often tentative with the final ball.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/sport/2006/08/09/sfgqpr09.xml
Guardian - Baidoo's late strike thwarts Leeds
Rob Smyth at Loftus Road
Wednesday August 9, 2006
The Guardian
Shabazz Baidoo scored an injury-time equaliser for QPR to deny Leeds a deserved victory after they had dominated for almost the entire match. He turned in Gareth Ainsworth's near-post cross from two yards, and Rangers could even have stolen a winner.
It was a largely unsophisticated contest in which brawn had the better of brain, but Leeds were superior and deserved to be in front long before Eddie Lewis, the outstanding player, struck an excellent goal. QPR equalised through a Martin Rowlands' penalty with nine minutes remaining but within a minute Geoff Horsfield volleyed another for Leeds
Beforehand QPR introduced a new signing, the former England Under-17 centre-half Zesh Rahmam from Fulham, but it could not lift a pre-match mood of weary resignation which was in total contrast to the optimism usually associated with first home game of a new season.
Once the whistle blew, however, the mood was transformed. Rangers started with fury and hunger, and for a while their intensity was too much even for a team as battle-hardened as Leeds.
In the second minute Matthew Kilgallon inexplicably left a blind punt only for the on-loan Adam Czerkas to poke wide when one on one with Leeds's on-loan goalkeeper Tony Warner. A minute later Ainsworth surged infield to make Warner work from the edge of the area.
Leeds took 15 minutes to get a foothold in the game but when they did their superior know-how and self belief began to tell. Their first real chance came when Paul Butler headed down the lively Lewis's corner and David Healy's close-range prod was smothered by Paul Jones.
Slowly Leeds turned the screw. Healy side-footed at Jones from the edge of the area after Damien Stewart had missed Steve Stone's cross, and soon after the former England winger was denied by two desperate point-blank saves from Jones.
It was not especially pretty - both teams seemed determined to give a thorough work-out to the old Brian Clough adage about God putting grass in the sky - but it worked for Leeds and at times QPR were struggling to get out of their own box, never mind their half.
Gary Kelly thrashed high and wide from 10 yards after 34 minutes, and Lewis's free kick was palmed away by the besieged Jones. It was a minor miracle that the home side got to half-time on level terms.
Only one side wanted the interval to come and it showed afterwards. Leeds struggled to pick up where they left off and QPR, glad to have any pieces to pick up at all, emerged with renewed vigour.
As in the first half, however, Leeds reversed the momentum and when another Lewis free-kick caused mayhem in the penalty area, Healy's left-foot shot was blocked by a posse of defenders.
A goal was not so much in the post as on its way by recorded delivery, and it finally arrived with 25 minutes remaining. Stone's clipped cross was headed against the underside of the bar by Healy and as the ball broke loose, Lewis fired a left-foot volley into the top corner.
Leeds were as comfortable as any side leading could be and they will find it hard to fathom how they did not make it six points out of six.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,1840237,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
QPR 2 Leeds 2
Date : Tue 08 Aug 2006 Kick Off : 20:00
Venue : Loftus Road Attendance : 13996
Comp : Coca-Cola Football League Championship Referee : K Friend
Goals : Rowlands 81 (pen) Baidoo 90 + 1
Lewis 65 Horsfield 82
Match Report
Super-sub Shabazz Baidoo bagged a last gasp leveller as Rangers clinched their first point of the new campaign against Leeds United.
The R's second half substitute scored his first goal at Loftus Road in stoppage time, to the delight of a bumper home crowd.
Martin Rowlands had earlier drawn the R's level from the spot, after Eddie Lewis' opener.
United loanne Geoff Horsfield looked to have won it for Leeds on 83 minutes, but Baidoo came to the rescue, as the R's got their season up and running.
Earlier, Gareth Ainsworth and David Healy both went close for their respective sides in the first half.
It was the latter who perhaps squandered the best opportunity of the half, shooting straight at Paul Jones on 26 minutes, while Ainsworth should maybe have done better when faced one-on-one with Tony Warner on the edge of the penalty box early on.
Gary Waddock named an unchanged side, with Nicky Ward, Damion Stewart and Adam Czerkas all making their home debuts.
Ward played the withdrawn striker role behind Czerkas, with Martin Rowlands offering support in his first appearance at Loftus Road since January 2nd.
Rangers were on the front foot from the first whistle, with comeback kid Rowlands delivering a teasing free-kick into the box which the Whites rearguard cleared with ease.
Czerkas picked up from where he left off in the first half against Burnley, getting goal-side of his man, only to scuff his second minute shot wide of the near post.
The Rangers Alamo continued 60 seconds later, with skipper for the night Ainsworth shooting straight at Warner from 15 yards.
Matthew Kilgallon was extremely fortunate to not pick up a fifth minute booking, when his ridiculously late lunge on Ainsworth saw the R's skipper bundled to ground.
Lee Cook's resultant free-kick was tipped round by Warner, as the R's continued to take the game to their visitors.
After Kilgallon's lucky escape, Leeds left-back Stephen Crainey eventually became the first player in referee Mr Friend's notebook on six minutes, for a blatant handball on the right wing.
It was the lively Cook who went closest to breaking the deadlock on 10 minutes, thrashing a speculative drive two yards wide of the left upright from fully 30 yards.
The one-way traffic continued and after fine build-up play involving Ward and Cook, Crainey had to be at his agile best to steer the ball to safety at the far post.
Leeds' first foray into Rangers territory was as a result of an indifferent piece of defending at the heart of the R's back four on 16 minutes.
After twice failing to clear their lines, Paul Jones' attempted clearance was blocked by Geoff Horsfield, only for the ricochet to come to nothing.
Welsh international Jones came to Rangers' rescue on 18 minutes, diving at the feet of Healy, after Kilgallon's initial header was diverted on target by the conqueror of England in Belfast last year.
All of Rangers' early hard work almost went to waste on 26 minutes, but after Healy got goal-side of Matthew Rose, the Northern Ireland international could only shoot straight at Jones.
Jones' heroics continued on 31 minutes, as the veteran keeper produced an outstanding double save to thwart Steve Stone from close range.
It was another veteran - Leeds right back Gary Kelly - who squandered the best chance of the half on 34 minutes.
Arriving bang on cue to Eddie Lewis' inch-perfect pull back, the Eire man smashed his 12 yard effort high and wide.
Damion Stewart picked up his first yellow card for his new Club on 39 minutes, but quite what referee Mr Friend saw in his perfectly-timed challenge on Eirik Bakke will remain a mystery for a long time to come.
Jones was on hand to save Healy's resultant 20-yard free-kick, as the end-to-end entertainment continued as the half drew to a conclusion.
Neither side made any changes at the break, but it was the hosts who created the first chance of the half, with Ward cutting in from the right flank before curling a stinging effort into the grasp of Warner.
Ward was clearly growing in stature as the game wore on and after he found Cook with a delightful reverse through ball, the wingers' inviting pass was hacked to safety by Kelly, with Mauro Milanese waiting to pounce.
After Bakke - clearly still shaken after Stewarts' first half tackle - made way for Ian Westlake, Rangers were forced into their first change, with the flu-stricken Czerkas replaced by Ray Jones.
It was end-to-end stuff and after Horsfield saw his shot blocked by a mass of bodies in the 59th minute, the R's broke at pace, with Cook and Ward combining to set up Ainsworth, who saw his header deflected over for a corner.
It was a truly scintillating counter attack - the best of the match by far - and probably deserved more than the corner which followed.
But the old adage that suggests you need to take your chances when you're on top came back to haunt the R's a minute or so later.
Stone's back post cross was headed on to the bar by Healy, and Lewis pounced on the loose ball to send the travelling Leeds fans into raptures.
Staring down the barrel of back-to-back defeats, Waddock threw caution to the wind, switching to an attacking 4-4-2 formation, with Ainsworth joining Jones in the final third.
A rare Rangers foray into Leeds territory saw Warner re-gather at the second attempt from Cook's left sided cross, but in truth that was as good as it got for the R's.
It was soon 4-3-3 for the R's, as Shabazz Baidoo entered the fray in place of Marcus Bignot and immediately joined Jones and Ainsworth in attack
The move paid dividends two minutes later, with Ainsworth receiving the ball with his back to goal, only to be pushed to ground in the box by Crainey.
Rowlands stepped up from the spot and sent the ball firing into the bottom left hand corner for the R's first goal of the new campaign.
But that wasn't the end of the scoring and just 60 seconds later, Horsfield bagged his first goal in a Leeds shirt, when he capitalised on Stone's deft header before burying a ten yard volley past the exposed Jones.
The Leeds loanee had a chance to bag goal number three on 83 minutes, but this time saw his six yard header nestle wide of the far post.
Ray Jones could've made a huge name for himself a minute from time, but shot high, wide and handsome with the goal gaping.
The teenage striker almost produced a wonder goal on 90 minutes, but Warner was down well to save the strikers volley at his feet.
But Rangers are a resilient bunch under Waddock and when Ainsworth rescued a seemingly wasteful cross from the by-line, Baidoo pounced from little more than two yards to clinch a draw.
Remarkably, Jones still had two chances to win it in time added on. His first effort was saved at the second attempt by Warner, before a amazing thunderous volley finished inches wide in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time.
QPR: P Jones, Bignot (Baidoo 76), Rose, Stewart, Milanese, Ainsworth, Lomas, Rowlands (Bircham 89), Cook, Ward, Czerkas (Jones 54).
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka.
Goals: Rowlands 80 (pen), Baidoo 90
Bookings: Stewart 39
Red Cards:
Leeds United: Warner, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Healy (Carole 76), Horsfield (Moore 84), Lewis, Stone, Bakke (Westlake 50), Derry, Kilgallon.
Subs: Gregan, Blake.
Goals: Lewis 65, Horsfield 82
Bookings: Killgallon 6, Derry 45, Warner 79
Red Cards:
Referee: Mr K A Friend
Attendance: 13,966
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~32559,00.html
WADDOCK'S COMMENTS - OFFICIAL SITE
Waddo's Words FAITH IN KIDS
Gary Waddock praised the impact of Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones after the R's clinched a deserved point against Leeds.
"It's vital we keep producing young players at this Club and Ray and Shabazz have shown what can happen when you give youth a chance.
"I've always said that if they're good enough I'll play them and the pair of them turned the game on its head.''
Teenager Baidoo ensured a share of the spoils in stoppage time, after Martin Rowlands had earlier cancelled out Eddie Lewis' opener.
Geoff Horsfield looked to have won it for the Whites, only for Baidoo to strike late on.
"The crowd will go home delighted and after the way they supported us tonight, that's the least they deserve.
"I was delighted with the level of performance. The lads were exceptional against a Leeds side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
"A point is the least we deserved on the night and the players have got to believe they are capable of beating big sides like Leeds after that display.
"It's a huge confidence boost and the lads deserve all the praise that comes their way.''
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~879261,00.html
Blackwell & Waddock Comments
BLACKWELL SLAMS SUICIDAL LEEDS
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Furious Kevin Blackwell tore into his Leeds players after watching them throw away two points at QPR.
Leeds - who had been in charge for all but the opening 20 minutes - led 2-1 in stoppage time, but some slack defending allowed substitute Shabazz Baidoo to make it 2-2 and rescue a point for Rangers.
Leeds twice led through goals from Eddie Lewis and on-loan forward Geoff Horsfield, strikes that sandwiched Martin Rowlands' 81st-minute penalty for the home side.
But it was Baidoo's intervention late on that left Blackwell practically shaking with anger - and threatening to kick some of his players out of Elland Road.
"I've let a few players know I'm not happy," Blackwell said.
"If they do not buck their ideas up, they will not be around here long enough to make me unhappy again.
"We shot ourselves in the foot, and, as a professional footballer, you have to learn not to shoot yourself in the foot.
"The players have felt the sharp edge of my tongue, and they had better learn from it. The finishing is not good enough for where we want to be.
"We committed hara-kiri and I'm not putting up with it. When you get in a winning position, you do not throw it away.
"If I've upset a few people, I'm sorry - but that's life."
Blackwell refused to confirm that Leeds are poised to sign defender Mo Camara from Celtic on a season-long loan deal.
The result means Leeds have collected four points from their opening two Coca-Cola Championship fixtures, following the 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.
Rangers - one of the pre-season relegation favourites - are off the mark for the season after being beaten 2-0 at Burnley on the opening day.
Their manager Gary Waddock said: "We played a team who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, and we have picked up a point.
"Other people might tip us for relegation, but we know what we want to achieve within this club.
"On the evidence of tonight's performance, we will be OK, but we need to make tonight the benchmark and repeat it against Southend on Saturday."
The tide turned late in the game when Waddock threw on young strikers Baidoo and Ray Jones, who caused the Leeds defence far more problems than the ineffective Adam Czerkas.
Waddock added: "They played together in the youth team and the reserves, but the standard of the Championship is much higher.
"They need to develop and work hard, although I'm sure we will hear a lot more from them.
"We need to turn Loftus Road into a fortress - and tonight was a good start."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/08/08/SOCCER_QPR_2nd_Nightlead.html
LEEDS OFFICIAL SITE
HONOURS EVEN
QPR 2 (Rowlands 80 pen, Baidoo 90), LEEDS UNITED 2 (Lewis 64, Horsfield 81)
QPR: P Jones, Bignot (Baidoo 77), Milanese, Rose, Ward, Ainsworth, Rowlands (Bircham 88), Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Czerkas (R Jones 55). Subs: Cole, Kanyuka.
UNITED: Warner, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Crainey, Stone, Bakke (Westlake 49), Derry, Lewis, Healy (Carole 76), Horsfield (Moore 84). Subs: Gregan, Blake.
Ref: K Friend
Att: 13,966
United manager Kevin Blackwell stuck with the same side that accounted for Norwich at Elland Road on Saturday. Eirik Bakke and Paul Butler recovered from minor knocks to take their place in the starting line-up along with on-loan goalkeeper Tony Warner, who continues to deputise for Neil Sullivan.
Warner was called into action twice inside the opening 15 minutes as QPR made a brisk opening - the imposing keeper stood his ground well against Adam Czerkas and saved from Gareth Ainsworth. It was a lively start by the home side as they attempted to give Leeds no time to settle.
However, United boss Blackwell again tinkered with his system during the early exchanges and after stemming the QPR flurry, Leeds slowly took control and carved out a number of good opportunities.
Geoff Horsfield was first to capitalise when he almost cashed in on a poor back-pass while Paul Butler threatened with a close range header. Home goalkeeper Paul Jones reacted well to deny David Healy after good work by Steve Stone, and Stone himself had two attempts blocked.
United's best chance of the first half came on 35 minutes when Gary Kelly smashed an Eddie Lewis cross over the top while, moments before the interval, QPR goalkeeper Jones saved well from a curling Lewis free-kick.
United lost Bakke through injury shortly after the break, but they remainded in the ascendancy and continued to dominate the clash. Steve Stone and Eddie Lewis were constant threats and the American was also a danger at set-plays as Leeds looked to force the advantage.
It took some quick defending to deny Healy on the hour-mark, who capitalised on a Butler knock-down from one Lewis free-kick, while Horsfield came within a whisker of turning another Lewis delivery towards goal.
But the goal that Leeds so richly deserved finally came on 64 minutes. Horsfield and Stone were both involved as Healy saw a header rattle the bar, but the ball was only cleared as far as Lewis and the Californian made no mistake with a rasping finish.
Yet, with Leeds cruising, the home side were handed a shock lifeline when Stephen Crainey was adjudged to have committed a foul during a rare QPR sortie and the referee had no doubt about awarding a penalty. United protested - Warner was booked - but Martin Rowlands made no mistake from the spot.
It took less than a minute for United to restore their lead though. Stone played in Horsfield with a delightful ball and the loan striker took his chance with aplomb to open his goalscoring account for his new club. It was no more than Leeds or Horsfield deserved, but there was still more drama to come.
Rangers came pouring forward in search of an equaliser and substitute Shabazz Baidoo came up with the goods in the final minute when he poked home from close range after a good break down the right by the Londoners.
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~879206,00.html
BBC QPR 2-2 Leeds
Sub Shabazz Baidoo struck in stoppage time to rescue a point for QPR.
The visitors looked to have sealed victory when Geoff Horsfield scored on 82 minutes, but Baidoo's near-post finish earned the Londoners a point.
A minute before Horsfield's goal, Martin Rowlands had slotted in a penalty to level for QPR after Stephen Crainey had fouled Gareth Ainsworth.
Eddie Lewis put Leeds ahead in the 65th minute when he volleyed in the loose ball after Rangers had failed to clear.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5248140.stm
SPORTING LIFE
QPR 2 Leeds 2
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Click here for full match stats
Substitute Shabazz Baidoo struck in stoppage time to rescue a point for QPR against Leeds.
The visitors looked to have the points sewn up when Geoff Horsfield scored with eight minutes remaining, but Baidoo's near-post finish earned a much-needed point for the Londoners.
His goal capped a frenetic final 10 minutes. A minute before Horsfield's goal, Martin Rowlands had scored a penalty for QPR to cancel out Eddie Lewis' opener.
But Baidoo's effort ensured Rangers are off the mark in the Coca-Cola Championship, while Leeds have four points from two matches.
QPR began their season with a defeat at Burnley, but they started this match with purpose and conviction, and created a number of early chances, but Adam Czerkas - making his home debut - Gareth Ainsworth and Lee Cook failed to take them.
After a ponderous opening 20 minutes, Leeds began to find their rhythm, and David Healy should have given them the lead in the 19th minute when Horsfield nodded Lewis' left-wing corner into his path, but he shot weakly at Paul Jones from only six yards.
Jones again kept his team level in the 32nd minute with an excellent point-blank save from Steve Stone, who had latched on to another Horsfield knock-down following Stephen Crainey's long throw.
Rangers were looking shaky in defence, and 10 minutes before the break, Lewis beat Marcus Bignot and cut the ball across the face of the goal from the left - only for the unmarked Gary Kelly to hammer the ball into the home fans from just eight yards.
Jones continued to thwart Leeds. After home debutant Damion Stewart had been booked for a foul on Eirik Bakke 22 yards out, the Welshman made another fine stop from Lewis' curling free-kick.
Leeds looked the likelier scorers early in the second half, and Healy saw another shot blocked on the hour mark after Paul Butler had headed Lewis' free-kick across goal.
But seconds later, Leeds had Crainey to thank for a superb defensive header that prevented Ainsworth reaching Cook's cross.
The visitors finally went ahead when Healy headed Stone's right-wing cross against the bar and, after Rangers had failed to clear, Lewis volleyed in the loose ball from six yards.
Nine minutes from time, Rangers thought they had earned a draw when Rowlands beat Tony Warner from the penalty spot after Crainey had fouled Ainsworth - but Leeds immediately pushed forward, on-loan striker Horsfield collecting Stone's pass before steering a shot into the bottom-right corner for his first Leeds goal.
With the 90 minutes up, Ainsworth hooked Cook's left-wing cross back into the danger zone, and Baidoo was there to score from a yard.
Teams:
QPR Paul Jones, Bignot (Baidoo 77), Rose, Stewart, Milanese,Ainsworth, Rowlands (Bircham 87), Lomas, Ward, Cook,Czerkas (Ray Jones 55).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Kanyuka.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/08/08/SOCCER_QPR.html
Also See:
Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report
Telegraph
Queens Park Rangers (0) 2 Leeds United (0) 2
Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell was livid after Shabazz Baidoo struck an injury-time equaliser for Queens Park Rangers last night. He even threatened some of his players with a swift exit unless there is marked improvement in their performances.
"We know we have to win at places like this," said Blackwell. ''We've played well tonight and nobody could say that we haven't deserved to win.
''But I've given the players a tongue-lashing after the game because the performance in the last few minutes was just unacceptable.
''A few of them had better buck their ideas up because a few of them might not be around long enough to find out what I will do to them.
"We committed hara-kiri and I'm not putting up with it. When you get in a winning position, you do not throw it away.
"If I've upset a few people, I'm sorry - but that's life."
Blackwell refused to confirm that Leeds are poised to sign defender Mo Camara from Celtic on a season-long loan deal.
Blackwell could spare Eddie Lewis from criticism, a player who looked sharp on the night, volleying home with some abandon after 64 minutes as QPR's resistance wilted.
Steve Stone's cross had been headed on to the crossbar by David Healy, before Geoff Horsfield dragged the ball back from the deadball line for Lewis to finish the job.
Rangers hit back through Martin Rowlands' 80th-minute penalty after the dangerous Gareth Ainsworth had been taken out by Stephen Crainey.
A minute later, however, Horsfield beat the offside trap after Stone had again acted as provider, lobbing the ball over the top to set up a cool finish.
However, Baidoo was not to be thwarted in the final seconds, managing to nip in front of Tony Warner for the second equaliser, following an excellent surging run by Lee Cook.
Leeds looked menacing early on when Healy and Lewis pressed forward. Healy, in particular, was all set to fire Leeds into the lead when he seized on Stone's pass in the 26th minute, but his disappointingly tame shot was smothered by goalkeeper Paul Jones.
What is it with Healy? His Premiership potential is often trumpeted, never more so than after his winner for Northern Ireland over England last year, and this was the type of opportunity he should have buried.
It was a less than glorious half all round for Leeds' thin supply of internationals, with Republic of Ireland defender Gary Kelly firing well over from Lewis' deft set-up.
The encouraging sign for their fans, though, was that, while lethargy laced their opening performance against Norwich City, purpose appeared to be prevailing here.
QPR still seem to be the stuff of mid-table - sturdy and positive, but with a defensive susceptibility that Leeds should have more easily exploited.
Stone was at the heart of many of move, being denied twice inside a minute by the athleticism of Jones. Then came one of the game's clearest chances, after 38 minutes, when Jones pushed Eirik Bakke's powerful free-kick past his right-hand post, having seen the ball late.
At least they continued to threaten up front, Adam Czerkas showing a neat turn of pace and Ainsworth turning Crainey inside out in the second half. Damion Stewart posed a danger, too, but was too often tentative with the final ball.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/sport/2006/08/09/sfgqpr09.xml
Guardian - Baidoo's late strike thwarts Leeds
Rob Smyth at Loftus Road
Wednesday August 9, 2006
The Guardian
Shabazz Baidoo scored an injury-time equaliser for QPR to deny Leeds a deserved victory after they had dominated for almost the entire match. He turned in Gareth Ainsworth's near-post cross from two yards, and Rangers could even have stolen a winner.
It was a largely unsophisticated contest in which brawn had the better of brain, but Leeds were superior and deserved to be in front long before Eddie Lewis, the outstanding player, struck an excellent goal. QPR equalised through a Martin Rowlands' penalty with nine minutes remaining but within a minute Geoff Horsfield volleyed another for Leeds
Beforehand QPR introduced a new signing, the former England Under-17 centre-half Zesh Rahmam from Fulham, but it could not lift a pre-match mood of weary resignation which was in total contrast to the optimism usually associated with first home game of a new season.
Once the whistle blew, however, the mood was transformed. Rangers started with fury and hunger, and for a while their intensity was too much even for a team as battle-hardened as Leeds.
In the second minute Matthew Kilgallon inexplicably left a blind punt only for the on-loan Adam Czerkas to poke wide when one on one with Leeds's on-loan goalkeeper Tony Warner. A minute later Ainsworth surged infield to make Warner work from the edge of the area.
Leeds took 15 minutes to get a foothold in the game but when they did their superior know-how and self belief began to tell. Their first real chance came when Paul Butler headed down the lively Lewis's corner and David Healy's close-range prod was smothered by Paul Jones.
Slowly Leeds turned the screw. Healy side-footed at Jones from the edge of the area after Damien Stewart had missed Steve Stone's cross, and soon after the former England winger was denied by two desperate point-blank saves from Jones.
It was not especially pretty - both teams seemed determined to give a thorough work-out to the old Brian Clough adage about God putting grass in the sky - but it worked for Leeds and at times QPR were struggling to get out of their own box, never mind their half.
Gary Kelly thrashed high and wide from 10 yards after 34 minutes, and Lewis's free kick was palmed away by the besieged Jones. It was a minor miracle that the home side got to half-time on level terms.
Only one side wanted the interval to come and it showed afterwards. Leeds struggled to pick up where they left off and QPR, glad to have any pieces to pick up at all, emerged with renewed vigour.
As in the first half, however, Leeds reversed the momentum and when another Lewis free-kick caused mayhem in the penalty area, Healy's left-foot shot was blocked by a posse of defenders.
A goal was not so much in the post as on its way by recorded delivery, and it finally arrived with 25 minutes remaining. Stone's clipped cross was headed against the underside of the bar by Healy and as the ball broke loose, Lewis fired a left-foot volley into the top corner.
Leeds were as comfortable as any side leading could be and they will find it hard to fathom how they did not make it six points out of six.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,1840237,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
QPR 2 Leeds 2
Date : Tue 08 Aug 2006 Kick Off : 20:00
Venue : Loftus Road Attendance : 13996
Comp : Coca-Cola Football League Championship Referee : K Friend
Goals : Rowlands 81 (pen) Baidoo 90 + 1
Lewis 65 Horsfield 82
Match Report
Super-sub Shabazz Baidoo bagged a last gasp leveller as Rangers clinched their first point of the new campaign against Leeds United.
The R's second half substitute scored his first goal at Loftus Road in stoppage time, to the delight of a bumper home crowd.
Martin Rowlands had earlier drawn the R's level from the spot, after Eddie Lewis' opener.
United loanne Geoff Horsfield looked to have won it for Leeds on 83 minutes, but Baidoo came to the rescue, as the R's got their season up and running.
Earlier, Gareth Ainsworth and David Healy both went close for their respective sides in the first half.
It was the latter who perhaps squandered the best opportunity of the half, shooting straight at Paul Jones on 26 minutes, while Ainsworth should maybe have done better when faced one-on-one with Tony Warner on the edge of the penalty box early on.
Gary Waddock named an unchanged side, with Nicky Ward, Damion Stewart and Adam Czerkas all making their home debuts.
Ward played the withdrawn striker role behind Czerkas, with Martin Rowlands offering support in his first appearance at Loftus Road since January 2nd.
Rangers were on the front foot from the first whistle, with comeback kid Rowlands delivering a teasing free-kick into the box which the Whites rearguard cleared with ease.
Czerkas picked up from where he left off in the first half against Burnley, getting goal-side of his man, only to scuff his second minute shot wide of the near post.
The Rangers Alamo continued 60 seconds later, with skipper for the night Ainsworth shooting straight at Warner from 15 yards.
Matthew Kilgallon was extremely fortunate to not pick up a fifth minute booking, when his ridiculously late lunge on Ainsworth saw the R's skipper bundled to ground.
Lee Cook's resultant free-kick was tipped round by Warner, as the R's continued to take the game to their visitors.
After Kilgallon's lucky escape, Leeds left-back Stephen Crainey eventually became the first player in referee Mr Friend's notebook on six minutes, for a blatant handball on the right wing.
It was the lively Cook who went closest to breaking the deadlock on 10 minutes, thrashing a speculative drive two yards wide of the left upright from fully 30 yards.
The one-way traffic continued and after fine build-up play involving Ward and Cook, Crainey had to be at his agile best to steer the ball to safety at the far post.
Leeds' first foray into Rangers territory was as a result of an indifferent piece of defending at the heart of the R's back four on 16 minutes.
After twice failing to clear their lines, Paul Jones' attempted clearance was blocked by Geoff Horsfield, only for the ricochet to come to nothing.
Welsh international Jones came to Rangers' rescue on 18 minutes, diving at the feet of Healy, after Kilgallon's initial header was diverted on target by the conqueror of England in Belfast last year.
All of Rangers' early hard work almost went to waste on 26 minutes, but after Healy got goal-side of Matthew Rose, the Northern Ireland international could only shoot straight at Jones.
Jones' heroics continued on 31 minutes, as the veteran keeper produced an outstanding double save to thwart Steve Stone from close range.
It was another veteran - Leeds right back Gary Kelly - who squandered the best chance of the half on 34 minutes.
Arriving bang on cue to Eddie Lewis' inch-perfect pull back, the Eire man smashed his 12 yard effort high and wide.
Damion Stewart picked up his first yellow card for his new Club on 39 minutes, but quite what referee Mr Friend saw in his perfectly-timed challenge on Eirik Bakke will remain a mystery for a long time to come.
Jones was on hand to save Healy's resultant 20-yard free-kick, as the end-to-end entertainment continued as the half drew to a conclusion.
Neither side made any changes at the break, but it was the hosts who created the first chance of the half, with Ward cutting in from the right flank before curling a stinging effort into the grasp of Warner.
Ward was clearly growing in stature as the game wore on and after he found Cook with a delightful reverse through ball, the wingers' inviting pass was hacked to safety by Kelly, with Mauro Milanese waiting to pounce.
After Bakke - clearly still shaken after Stewarts' first half tackle - made way for Ian Westlake, Rangers were forced into their first change, with the flu-stricken Czerkas replaced by Ray Jones.
It was end-to-end stuff and after Horsfield saw his shot blocked by a mass of bodies in the 59th minute, the R's broke at pace, with Cook and Ward combining to set up Ainsworth, who saw his header deflected over for a corner.
It was a truly scintillating counter attack - the best of the match by far - and probably deserved more than the corner which followed.
But the old adage that suggests you need to take your chances when you're on top came back to haunt the R's a minute or so later.
Stone's back post cross was headed on to the bar by Healy, and Lewis pounced on the loose ball to send the travelling Leeds fans into raptures.
Staring down the barrel of back-to-back defeats, Waddock threw caution to the wind, switching to an attacking 4-4-2 formation, with Ainsworth joining Jones in the final third.
A rare Rangers foray into Leeds territory saw Warner re-gather at the second attempt from Cook's left sided cross, but in truth that was as good as it got for the R's.
It was soon 4-3-3 for the R's, as Shabazz Baidoo entered the fray in place of Marcus Bignot and immediately joined Jones and Ainsworth in attack
The move paid dividends two minutes later, with Ainsworth receiving the ball with his back to goal, only to be pushed to ground in the box by Crainey.
Rowlands stepped up from the spot and sent the ball firing into the bottom left hand corner for the R's first goal of the new campaign.
But that wasn't the end of the scoring and just 60 seconds later, Horsfield bagged his first goal in a Leeds shirt, when he capitalised on Stone's deft header before burying a ten yard volley past the exposed Jones.
The Leeds loanee had a chance to bag goal number three on 83 minutes, but this time saw his six yard header nestle wide of the far post.
Ray Jones could've made a huge name for himself a minute from time, but shot high, wide and handsome with the goal gaping.
The teenage striker almost produced a wonder goal on 90 minutes, but Warner was down well to save the strikers volley at his feet.
But Rangers are a resilient bunch under Waddock and when Ainsworth rescued a seemingly wasteful cross from the by-line, Baidoo pounced from little more than two yards to clinch a draw.
Remarkably, Jones still had two chances to win it in time added on. His first effort was saved at the second attempt by Warner, before a amazing thunderous volley finished inches wide in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time.
QPR: P Jones, Bignot (Baidoo 76), Rose, Stewart, Milanese, Ainsworth, Lomas, Rowlands (Bircham 89), Cook, Ward, Czerkas (Jones 54).
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka.
Goals: Rowlands 80 (pen), Baidoo 90
Bookings: Stewart 39
Red Cards:
Leeds United: Warner, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Healy (Carole 76), Horsfield (Moore 84), Lewis, Stone, Bakke (Westlake 50), Derry, Kilgallon.
Subs: Gregan, Blake.
Goals: Lewis 65, Horsfield 82
Bookings: Killgallon 6, Derry 45, Warner 79
Red Cards:
Referee: Mr K A Friend
Attendance: 13,966
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~32559,00.html
WADDOCK'S COMMENTS - OFFICIAL SITE
Waddo's Words FAITH IN KIDS
Gary Waddock praised the impact of Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones after the R's clinched a deserved point against Leeds.
"It's vital we keep producing young players at this Club and Ray and Shabazz have shown what can happen when you give youth a chance.
"I've always said that if they're good enough I'll play them and the pair of them turned the game on its head.''
Teenager Baidoo ensured a share of the spoils in stoppage time, after Martin Rowlands had earlier cancelled out Eddie Lewis' opener.
Geoff Horsfield looked to have won it for the Whites, only for Baidoo to strike late on.
"The crowd will go home delighted and after the way they supported us tonight, that's the least they deserve.
"I was delighted with the level of performance. The lads were exceptional against a Leeds side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
"A point is the least we deserved on the night and the players have got to believe they are capable of beating big sides like Leeds after that display.
"It's a huge confidence boost and the lads deserve all the praise that comes their way.''
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~879261,00.html
Blackwell & Waddock Comments
BLACKWELL SLAMS SUICIDAL LEEDS
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Furious Kevin Blackwell tore into his Leeds players after watching them throw away two points at QPR.
Leeds - who had been in charge for all but the opening 20 minutes - led 2-1 in stoppage time, but some slack defending allowed substitute Shabazz Baidoo to make it 2-2 and rescue a point for Rangers.
Leeds twice led through goals from Eddie Lewis and on-loan forward Geoff Horsfield, strikes that sandwiched Martin Rowlands' 81st-minute penalty for the home side.
But it was Baidoo's intervention late on that left Blackwell practically shaking with anger - and threatening to kick some of his players out of Elland Road.
"I've let a few players know I'm not happy," Blackwell said.
"If they do not buck their ideas up, they will not be around here long enough to make me unhappy again.
"We shot ourselves in the foot, and, as a professional footballer, you have to learn not to shoot yourself in the foot.
"The players have felt the sharp edge of my tongue, and they had better learn from it. The finishing is not good enough for where we want to be.
"We committed hara-kiri and I'm not putting up with it. When you get in a winning position, you do not throw it away.
"If I've upset a few people, I'm sorry - but that's life."
Blackwell refused to confirm that Leeds are poised to sign defender Mo Camara from Celtic on a season-long loan deal.
The result means Leeds have collected four points from their opening two Coca-Cola Championship fixtures, following the 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.
Rangers - one of the pre-season relegation favourites - are off the mark for the season after being beaten 2-0 at Burnley on the opening day.
Their manager Gary Waddock said: "We played a team who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, and we have picked up a point.
"Other people might tip us for relegation, but we know what we want to achieve within this club.
"On the evidence of tonight's performance, we will be OK, but we need to make tonight the benchmark and repeat it against Southend on Saturday."
The tide turned late in the game when Waddock threw on young strikers Baidoo and Ray Jones, who caused the Leeds defence far more problems than the ineffective Adam Czerkas.
Waddock added: "They played together in the youth team and the reserves, but the standard of the Championship is much higher.
"They need to develop and work hard, although I'm sure we will hear a lot more from them.
"We need to turn Loftus Road into a fortress - and tonight was a good start."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/08/08/SOCCER_QPR_2nd_Nightlead.html
LEEDS OFFICIAL SITE
HONOURS EVEN
QPR 2 (Rowlands 80 pen, Baidoo 90), LEEDS UNITED 2 (Lewis 64, Horsfield 81)
QPR: P Jones, Bignot (Baidoo 77), Milanese, Rose, Ward, Ainsworth, Rowlands (Bircham 88), Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Czerkas (R Jones 55). Subs: Cole, Kanyuka.
UNITED: Warner, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Crainey, Stone, Bakke (Westlake 49), Derry, Lewis, Healy (Carole 76), Horsfield (Moore 84). Subs: Gregan, Blake.
Ref: K Friend
Att: 13,966
United manager Kevin Blackwell stuck with the same side that accounted for Norwich at Elland Road on Saturday. Eirik Bakke and Paul Butler recovered from minor knocks to take their place in the starting line-up along with on-loan goalkeeper Tony Warner, who continues to deputise for Neil Sullivan.
Warner was called into action twice inside the opening 15 minutes as QPR made a brisk opening - the imposing keeper stood his ground well against Adam Czerkas and saved from Gareth Ainsworth. It was a lively start by the home side as they attempted to give Leeds no time to settle.
However, United boss Blackwell again tinkered with his system during the early exchanges and after stemming the QPR flurry, Leeds slowly took control and carved out a number of good opportunities.
Geoff Horsfield was first to capitalise when he almost cashed in on a poor back-pass while Paul Butler threatened with a close range header. Home goalkeeper Paul Jones reacted well to deny David Healy after good work by Steve Stone, and Stone himself had two attempts blocked.
United's best chance of the first half came on 35 minutes when Gary Kelly smashed an Eddie Lewis cross over the top while, moments before the interval, QPR goalkeeper Jones saved well from a curling Lewis free-kick.
United lost Bakke through injury shortly after the break, but they remainded in the ascendancy and continued to dominate the clash. Steve Stone and Eddie Lewis were constant threats and the American was also a danger at set-plays as Leeds looked to force the advantage.
It took some quick defending to deny Healy on the hour-mark, who capitalised on a Butler knock-down from one Lewis free-kick, while Horsfield came within a whisker of turning another Lewis delivery towards goal.
But the goal that Leeds so richly deserved finally came on 64 minutes. Horsfield and Stone were both involved as Healy saw a header rattle the bar, but the ball was only cleared as far as Lewis and the Californian made no mistake with a rasping finish.
Yet, with Leeds cruising, the home side were handed a shock lifeline when Stephen Crainey was adjudged to have committed a foul during a rare QPR sortie and the referee had no doubt about awarding a penalty. United protested - Warner was booked - but Martin Rowlands made no mistake from the spot.
It took less than a minute for United to restore their lead though. Stone played in Horsfield with a delightful ball and the loan striker took his chance with aplomb to open his goalscoring account for his new club. It was no more than Leeds or Horsfield deserved, but there was still more drama to come.
Rangers came pouring forward in search of an equaliser and substitute Shabazz Baidoo came up with the goods in the final minute when he poked home from close range after a good break down the right by the Londoners.
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~879206,00.html
BBC QPR 2-2 Leeds
Sub Shabazz Baidoo struck in stoppage time to rescue a point for QPR.
The visitors looked to have sealed victory when Geoff Horsfield scored on 82 minutes, but Baidoo's near-post finish earned the Londoners a point.
A minute before Horsfield's goal, Martin Rowlands had slotted in a penalty to level for QPR after Stephen Crainey had fouled Gareth Ainsworth.
Eddie Lewis put Leeds ahead in the 65th minute when he volleyed in the loose ball after Rangers had failed to clear.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5248140.stm
SPORTING LIFE
QPR 2 Leeds 2
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Click here for full match stats
Substitute Shabazz Baidoo struck in stoppage time to rescue a point for QPR against Leeds.
The visitors looked to have the points sewn up when Geoff Horsfield scored with eight minutes remaining, but Baidoo's near-post finish earned a much-needed point for the Londoners.
His goal capped a frenetic final 10 minutes. A minute before Horsfield's goal, Martin Rowlands had scored a penalty for QPR to cancel out Eddie Lewis' opener.
But Baidoo's effort ensured Rangers are off the mark in the Coca-Cola Championship, while Leeds have four points from two matches.
QPR began their season with a defeat at Burnley, but they started this match with purpose and conviction, and created a number of early chances, but Adam Czerkas - making his home debut - Gareth Ainsworth and Lee Cook failed to take them.
After a ponderous opening 20 minutes, Leeds began to find their rhythm, and David Healy should have given them the lead in the 19th minute when Horsfield nodded Lewis' left-wing corner into his path, but he shot weakly at Paul Jones from only six yards.
Jones again kept his team level in the 32nd minute with an excellent point-blank save from Steve Stone, who had latched on to another Horsfield knock-down following Stephen Crainey's long throw.
Rangers were looking shaky in defence, and 10 minutes before the break, Lewis beat Marcus Bignot and cut the ball across the face of the goal from the left - only for the unmarked Gary Kelly to hammer the ball into the home fans from just eight yards.
Jones continued to thwart Leeds. After home debutant Damion Stewart had been booked for a foul on Eirik Bakke 22 yards out, the Welshman made another fine stop from Lewis' curling free-kick.
Leeds looked the likelier scorers early in the second half, and Healy saw another shot blocked on the hour mark after Paul Butler had headed Lewis' free-kick across goal.
But seconds later, Leeds had Crainey to thank for a superb defensive header that prevented Ainsworth reaching Cook's cross.
The visitors finally went ahead when Healy headed Stone's right-wing cross against the bar and, after Rangers had failed to clear, Lewis volleyed in the loose ball from six yards.
Nine minutes from time, Rangers thought they had earned a draw when Rowlands beat Tony Warner from the penalty spot after Crainey had fouled Ainsworth - but Leeds immediately pushed forward, on-loan striker Horsfield collecting Stone's pass before steering a shot into the bottom-right corner for his first Leeds goal.
With the 90 minutes up, Ainsworth hooked Cook's left-wing cross back into the danger zone, and Baidoo was there to score from a yard.
Teams:
QPR Paul Jones, Bignot (Baidoo 77), Rose, Stewart, Milanese,Ainsworth, Rowlands (Bircham 87), Lomas, Ward, Cook,Czerkas (Ray Jones 55).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Kanyuka.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/08/08/SOCCER_QPR.html
Also See:
Simon Skinner/QPR Net Match Report
QPR Playing Leeds at Loftus Road - Teams
-
QPR vs Leeds at Loftus Road Tonight
Team News
QPR: P Jones, Bignot, Stewart, Rose, Milanese, Ainsworth, Lomas, Rowlands, Cook, Ward, Czerkas.
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Bircham, R Jones, Baidoo.
Leeds United: Warner, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Healy, Horsfield, Lewis, Stone, Bakke, Derry, Kilgallon.
Subs: Westlake, Gregan, Carole, Moore, Blake.
QPR--
--
Leeds Official Site - UNITED IN POSITIVE MODE
United will adopt a positive attitude in tonight's tough-looking Championship clash against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
"I want us to be a threat so we are going down there to be as positive as we can be," manager Kevin Blackwell said. "A team that lost their first game of the season, as QPR did, are always likely to be dangerous in their second match because everyone knows that to get your first three points is a tremendous psychological thing.
"The quicker you get your first three points the better. It's of paramount importance. We got ours on Saturday and I'm delighted about that. But I am only really concerned with how we perform. I think the players we have deserve an immense amount of credit. They won't always get things right but they will try," he added.
The Gaffer agreed that this season the Championship is likely to be tougher than it was last time out. "We have got to try to handle it and we will do that to the best of our ability.
"We will aim to be a little more positive at home and away, although our away record last season was as good as any. We will make sure tonight that we have a good attitude. It is our attitude that matters," he said.
But at this very early stage of the season, you won't find the Gaffer talking publicly about setting any targets. "If you do that and don't achieve them then it puts you on a downer straight away. What we do look at, though, is being in or around the top ten by the end of September. If you're there, you have a solid start to the season and a platform on which to build," he added.
Leeds
Team Odds
http://www.bet24.com/leeds
QPR vs Leeds at Loftus Road Tonight
Team News
QPR: P Jones, Bignot, Stewart, Rose, Milanese, Ainsworth, Lomas, Rowlands, Cook, Ward, Czerkas.
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Bircham, R Jones, Baidoo.
Leeds United: Warner, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Healy, Horsfield, Lewis, Stone, Bakke, Derry, Kilgallon.
Subs: Westlake, Gregan, Carole, Moore, Blake.
QPR--
--
Leeds Official Site - UNITED IN POSITIVE MODE
United will adopt a positive attitude in tonight's tough-looking Championship clash against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
"I want us to be a threat so we are going down there to be as positive as we can be," manager Kevin Blackwell said. "A team that lost their first game of the season, as QPR did, are always likely to be dangerous in their second match because everyone knows that to get your first three points is a tremendous psychological thing.
"The quicker you get your first three points the better. It's of paramount importance. We got ours on Saturday and I'm delighted about that. But I am only really concerned with how we perform. I think the players we have deserve an immense amount of credit. They won't always get things right but they will try," he added.
The Gaffer agreed that this season the Championship is likely to be tougher than it was last time out. "We have got to try to handle it and we will do that to the best of our ability.
"We will aim to be a little more positive at home and away, although our away record last season was as good as any. We will make sure tonight that we have a good attitude. It is our attitude that matters," he said.
But at this very early stage of the season, you won't find the Gaffer talking publicly about setting any targets. "If you do that and don't achieve them then it puts you on a downer straight away. What we do look at, though, is being in or around the top ten by the end of September. If you're there, you have a solid start to the season and a platform on which to build," he added.
Leeds
Team Odds
http://www.bet24.com/leeds
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