Memorable Video Flashback on Cup Final Day: QPR CRUSHING Chelsea

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- Video of QPR SIX Chelsea Nil (from March 1986)

Barron - Dawes Fenwick Wicks McDonald - Robinson James Allen Fereday -
Byrne Bannister: Sub Rosenoir. (Scorers: Bannister 3, Byrne 2, Rosenoir)

QPR Official Site - FROM THE ARCHIVES
Posted on: Fri 04 Jan 2008
As the countdown continues to our trip to Stamford Bridge, www.qpr.co.uk looks back at another memorable past encounter between Chelsea and QPR.

QUEENS PARK RANGERS 6, CHELSEA 0

Easter Monday, March 31 1986 - Canon League Division One

A glorious Easter Monday as Rangers smashed home six goals to kill off Chelsea's League title hopes.

The R's went into this match in 14th place in the table. Chelsea were fourth and needed the points to rekindle their faltering challenge for the championship - especially after a 4-0 defeat against West Ham at Stamford Bridge on the Saturday.

It was a windy morning with intermittent rain showers peppering our Omniturf pitch, which had been much-criticised by Chelsea chairman Ken Bates earlier in the season.

For the first time in the history of this fixture, advance ticketing arrangements meant that there were no Chelsea fans infiltrating the Loft terrace. Cash admission was not permitted on the day so Rangers enjoyed terrific support from the all-ticket home end.

It took the Super Hoops only eight minutes to open the scoring. John Byrne's initial shot was charged down but Gary Bannister followed up to drill into the bottom right hand corner from an acute angle at the School End.

Cries of "Bann-is-ter...Bann-is-ter...Bann-is-ter..." (to the American marching tune) and "You're Not Singing Anymore..." rang out from the Loft terrace as the 4,000 Chelsea fans at the other end looked on in stunned silence.

Rangers doubled their advantage on 25 minutes. Byrne was involved again with a right wing cross, Terry Fenwick nodded the ball on and Bannister arrived in the six yard box to head home. A very noisy rendition of "Singing The Blues..." followed from the Loft.

A minute before the break, John Byrne picked up possession just inside the Chelsea half and lost his marker with a deft drop of the shoulder. He then dribbled past another four startled defenders amidst an orgy of skill before lashing into the net from just inside the box.

It was the most spectacular R's goal of the season and our fans rejoiced with versions of "John-ny Byrne, John-ny Byrne, John-ny Byrne" (against using the marching tune) and "Easy...Easy.."

The fourth came on 58 when Bannister tore away from the shambolic Chelsea back line and sent a low bullet-like shot into the right hand corner. Even the QPR stewards on the side of the pitch at the Loft End jumped up and down to celebrate. Meanwhile, the electronic scoreboard declared: "GARY HAT-TRICK BANNISTER"

Then on 64 minutes, Bannister whipped in a low cross from the right and Byrne provided a crisp finish for goal number five with the Chelsea rearguard in shreds. The Loft boys bounced around in unison with chants of "Blame The Pitch, Blame The Pitch, Blame The Pitch..." directed at the ashen-faced Ken Bates in the main stand.

Chelsea had striker David Speedie sent off two minutes later for flattening Ian Dawes with his elbow. The Rangers fans waved theatrically while singing "Bye Bye Speedie, Bye Bye Speedie..." (to the tune of Auld Lang Syne) as he plodded dejectedly from the arena.

The sixth blue and white hooped goal in Chelsea's net came in the 82nd minute. Substitute Leroy Rosenior ran from the halfway line through a wide open defence before firing firmly past despairing goalkeeper Steve Francis. The jubilant Loft bellowed "We Want Seven...We Want Seven..." as the visiting fans headed for the exits.

Chelsea manager John Hollins said afterwards: "It's been a very bad Easter for us, but I want to give QPR full credit for their performance." QPR