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FLASHBACKS...
- Year Flashback: A Sad Day - Raheem Sterling Joins Liverpool
- Year Ago, Pre-Warnock: QPR's Form and Relegation Stats: After 32 Games, 37 points (After 24 games, had 33 points)
- Year Flashback: The Amit Bhatia Interviews
- Ten Years Ago: Article "Rangers disease has fans reaching for the pills"
- Ten Years Ago (Yesterday): Ian Holloway Appointed Manager of Queen's Park Rangers!
- Three Years Ago: Briatore - Why He Loved QPR!
- On This Day in Football: February 27
- RIP: Ex-Wolves/Southampton and Spurs Defender Dean Richards (Aged 36)
- Great Video: QPR vs Ipswich - As much for the close-up/Match Atmosphere (As posted on Twitter)
- Neil Roberts Dying Wish for More Runners (Race for Life Herne Bay: June 2011)
- Gavin Mahon Extends QPR Stay by Another Month (till mid-March)
- Serbia Threatened With Expulsion from Euro 2012
- The Dangers of Working for Chelsea!
MIDDLESBROUGH-QPR MATCH REPORTS & COMMENTS
1 QPR 34 36 67
2 Swansea 34 18 62
3 Cardiff 34 17 61
4 Norwich 34 12 59
5 Nott'm F 33 16 58
6 Leeds 34 7 54 BBC
SKY - Iceman cometh with brace at Boro
..Heidar Helguson struck a double as QPR boosted their Championship title challenge with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough.
The Iceland international netted either side of the interval in Saturday's clash at the Riverside as Rangers extended their advantage at the summit to five points.
If Helguson was impressive, it paled in comparison to Adel Taarabt, who was at his irresistible best.
The dynamic midfielder was at his brilliant best as he terrorised Boro's backline, capping his performance with a goal from the penalty spot which wrapped things up.
Clearly buoyed by last week's 3-2 victory at Millwall, Middlesbrough started the brighter of the sides and should have taken the lead in just the first minute.
Australia striker Scott McDonald found space in the area, but, after finding room to work an opening, he saw his effort saved by Paddy Kenny.
QPR, though, were quick to get back into the game with Taarabt and Wayne Routledge causing problems with their direct play.
The former, in particular, was proving particularly difficult to deal with, forcing a smart save from Jason Steele a 20-yard snap-shot.
As the game wore on, Taraabt's influence was becoming increasingly prominent with the the mercurial Moroccan hitting just wide form range before forcing another excellent save from Steele.
He came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute when he found himself clean through courtesy of some poor Boro defending, only to hit over.
The home side, meanwhile, were playing plenty of good football but their final ball was leaving a lot to be desired.
The Hoops finally got the reward their endeavour deserved in the 41st minute through Helguson.
Predictably, Taarabt was involved, squaring a lovely ball to the striker, who made no mistake from 12 yards.
Picking up where they left off, Rangers continued to dominate after the interval with the hosts often finding themselves chasing shadows.
And the league leaders soon extended their advantage through Helguson's second.
The impressive Routledge was the architect, jinking his way down the left wing before sending in a delicious centre which Helguson nodded past Steele.
The goal seemed to take the wind out of Middlesbrough's sails as QPR continued to dominate.
They found themselves three-up in the 68th minute when, after being brought down by Merouane Zemmama, Taarabt netted from the spot.
Neil Warnock's side took there foot off the gas thereafter, but, with their defence looking impregnable, they easily saw the game out.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284512,00.html
QPR Official Site GAFFER: WE WERE RUTHLESS
Neil Warnock thinks his side's improved ruthlessness in front of goal played a major part in the R's excellent 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough.
Heidar Helguson's deadly double, as well as an Adel Taarabt strike from the penalty spot, clinched victory for QPR, on an afternoon when Rangers dominated proceedings in every single department.
Warnock told www.qpr.co.uk: "The goal came just before half-time. We were a little bit fortunate with it, but we've had plenty of them go against us - like Nottingham Forest's at Loftus Road a few weeks ago.
"I thought in the second half we were by far the better side and thoroughly deserved the victory.
"We were a lot more ruthless, put our foot on the pedal and scored three good goals.
"I thought the second was a fabulous goal, but also thought the first was fabulous too.
"A deflected goal will do for me - don't worry about that!"
He added: "It was just good to come away to a place like this and win in such convincing style.
"To get such a positive result in front of our travelling fans - who made the long journey - is rewarding for us all.
"It's another game chalked off and we're down to the last 12."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2303263,00.html
[b]SPORTING LIFE RANGERS HAVE RIGHT RECIPE - WARNOCK [/b]
Neil Warnock said his table-topping side should be playing with a smile on their faces after a steely 3-0 win at Middlesbrough took them a step closer to the Premier League.
QPR went ahead in the 41st minute with a deflected opener from Heidar Helguson before the striker netted his second goal of the afternoon in the 60th minute. Captain Adel Taarabt wrapped up the points with a late penalty.
"It was difficult early on and we couldn't quite get on the ball but we get better as the game went on," said the Rangers boss, who celebrates a year in charge next week.
"We got a break with the first goal because it took a deflection but we've those go against us at times so we won't complain. And we still worked hard for it.
"The second goal was fabulous, the whole move was fabulous. In fact we played some good stuff today and it is a bonus when you do that.
"I've been delighted with the determination the team have shown and their willingness to put their bodies on the line when they have too. At times there has been a real Northern grit in this Southern team.
"But I've told the lads that they should be playing with a smile on their faces because we have the right recipe here now. We have the grit to battle when we need to but we have the ability to win games well too. You don't get many moments in football when it comes together like that.
"We're not getting carried away because we have a long way to go, six home games and six away, but if we can keep getting that consistency and keep getting results in games like this, then we are well on the way,"
Boro boss Tony Mowbray insisted his team were not far short of Rangers on a day when they slipped to their first defeat by more than a one goal margin since he arrived at the club to replace Gordon Strachan in October.
"I didn't feel we were out-classed," he explained. "They are a good side but for long spells, especially in the first half, we more than matched them. For an hour it was a decent performance.
"It turned out to be a disappointing afternoon but it could have been very different. Scott McDonald had a good chance in the first minute and had that gone in, who knows.
"But they are a hard team to play against. They attack with four players, four good players, but the rest defend very well and they hold a high line. It is hard to get behind them. What they do, they do well and that's why they are where they are.
"So we are disappointed - but we haven't had too many results like that of late. Its the first time we have lost by more than one goal since I came here. We have take it on the chin, learn from it and bounce back on Tuesday against Nottingham Forest."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/quotes/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/02/26/SOCCER_Middlesbrough_2nd_Nightlead.html&BID=3660
[b]MIDDLESBROUGH MANAGER COMMENT Individual Talent Sees Off Boro[/b]
MOMENTS of individual brilliance were the difference between Boro and the runaway league leaders in a game where Tony Mowbray felt the scoreline did not tell the full story.
Adel Taraabt and Wayne Routledge were Boro's main tormentors, while QPR's veteran striker Heidar Helguson capitalised on their creativity with two goals in what might sound like a one-sided affair.
But the first goal near the end of an even first half came courtesy of a wicked deflection and the third was a penalty conceded by Merouane Zemmama's forward's tackle when there seemed to be little danger.
"I think 3-0's a bit harsh," said Mowbray. "Sometimes when you're top of the table things roll for you like that. They've got some decent players in the forward line and their tactics are to let them go forward and win games.
"To coin a Mourinho phrase they park the bus - the full-backs don't cross the halfway line and the front four have individual talent that can win them matches. That's a formula that seems to be working very well for them this year.
"I'm not taking anything away from them - if you're top of the table after 30 games, you must be a decent side and they undoubtedly are. They've got some good individuals, a big, strong, powerful back-line and they get the job done."
Boro's best chance came with just seconds on the clock when a poor clearance from goalkeeper Paddy Kenny gifted Scott mcDonald's with a glorious opening.
But Kenny atoned for his error with a fine save and the visitors rarely looked back.
Asked how much difference it would have made if the ball had gone in, Mowbray said: "It would have made a difference - we would have been one-nil up. But I don't know if it would have made a difference overall."
Mowbray knows the headlines won't be favourable after the heaviest defeat of his reign so far, but he said: "In journalism, you see the result and decide one team played well and the other team didn't.
"But I don't think there was much in it. For 40 minutes it was 0-0 and we'd had the outstanding chance of the game.
"When you're top of the table you're just waiting for one piece of quality from one individual to make a difference and I think that was it today.
"There's not very much in it. We did fine for long enough spells but the two goals in the second half killed the game as a contest.
"It's football and you have to take it on the chin sometimes when you play a team at the top of the table."
Andrew Davies, who was playing at the Riverside for the first time since his loan move from Stoke City, picked up an injury late in the game but Mowbray said it was too early to say how long he will be out.
"It looks like hamstring but what grade I don't know. It could be eight weeks, could be one week. We'll wait and see."
http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20110226/individual-talent-sees-off-boro_70606_2303289
BBC
Queens Park Rangers maintained their drive towards automatic promotion with a straightforward win at Middlesbrough.
Midfield playmaker Adel Taarabt, an influential figure for the visitors, squared a ball for Heidar Helguson, who fired in from 12 yards.
Helguson nodded in a second after an inviting cross from Wayne Routledge.
Taarabt got the reward for his display when, after being brought down by Merouane Zemmama, he scored a penalty against a deflated home side.
Taarabt is his side's creative force and had terrorised Boro's defence as he helped his side to a win which keeps then five points clear at the top of the Championship.
However, it could have been different had home striker Scott McDonald done better than to see an early shot saved by keeper Paddy Kenny.
QPR quickly responded and Taarabt forced two smart saves from Jason Steele with long range strikes before putting an effort over when some poor Boro defending left him clean through on goal.
Boro's build-up play was not matched with a cutting edge in the final third and QPR eventually went ahead after 41 minutes with Taarabt and Helguson combining.
The Hoops forward got a second after the break as he benefitted from the quality of service he was getting, with Routledge the provider as Helguson nodded in his second.
Taarabt's penalty delivered the final blow as QPR eased to victory without alarm.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/9405034.stm
MAIL Middlesbrough 0 QPR 3: Heidar Helguson at the double as Rangers close in on promotion
Heidar Helguson struck a double as QPR boosted their npower Championship title challenge with a comfortable victory at Middlesbrough.
The Iceland international netted either side of the interval as Rangers extended their advantage at the summit to five points.
If Helguson was impressive, it paled in comparison to Adel Taarabt, who was at his irresistible best.
On the up: Neil Warnock's side are closing in on promotion to the Premier League
On the up: Neil Warnock's side are closing in on promotion to the Premier League
The dynamic midfielder was at his brilliant best as he terrorised Boro's backline, capping his performance with a goal from the penalty spot which wrapped things up.
Clearly buoyed by last week's 3-2 victory at Millwall, Middlesbrough started the brighter of the sides and should have taken the lead in just the first minute.
Australia striker Scott McDonald found space in the area, but, after finding room to work an opening, he saw his effort saved by Paddy Kenny.
QPR, though, were quick to get back into the game with Taarabt and Wayne Routledge causing problems with their direct play.
The former, in particular, was proving particularly difficult to deal with, forcing a smart save from Jason Steele a 20-yard snap-shot.
As the game wore on, Taraabt's influence was becoming increasingly prominent with the the mercurial Moroccan hitting just wide form range before forcing another excellent save from Steele.
Adel-ight: Taarabt was also on the score sheet
He came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute when he found himself clean through courtesy of some poor Boro defending, only to hit over.
The home side, meanwhile, were playing plenty of good football but their final ball was leaving a lot to be desired.
The Hoops finally got the reward their endeavour deserved in the 41st minute through Helguson.
Predictably, Taarabt was involved, squaring a lovely ball to the striker, who made no mistake from 12 yards.
Picking up where they left off, Rangers continued to dominate after the interval with the hosts often finding themselves chasing shadows.
And the league leaders soon extended their advantage through Helguson's second.
The impressive Routledge was the architect, jinking his way down the left wing before sending in a delicious centre which Helguson nodded past Steele.
The goal seemed to take the wind out of Middlesbrough's sails as QPR continued to dominate.
They found themselves three-up in the 68th minute when, after being brought down by Merouane Zemmama, Taarabt netted from the spot.
Neil Warnock's side took there foot off the gas thereafter, but, with their defence looking impregnable, they easily saw the game out.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1360873/Middlesbrough-0-QPR-3-Heidar-Helguson-double-Rangers-close-promotion.html#ixzz1F65gfovT
MIDDLESBROUGH OFFICIAL SITE Middlesbrough 0 QPR 3
TWO goals from Heidar Helguson and penalty from Adel Taarabt ensured QPR's promotion push remained firmly on track as they equalled their biggest away win of the season. GORDON COX reports from the Riverside.
There was just one personnel change from the side which beat Millwall, also a change in formation as Jonathan Grounds dropped to the bench, Marvin Emnes returned and Boro adopted a 4-4-2 formation.
Boro made a very positive start and should have taken the lead in the first minute as Paddy Kenny' goal-kick went straight to Scott McDonald just up from the edge of the centre-circle.
After outpacing his closest pursuers he shot low to Kenny's right and the goalkeeper made amends.
Tony McMahon, fairly, thundered into a tackle and the crowd responded, distribution was crisp and movement gave options.
It set the game up nicely as back came Rangers, Adel Taarabt whipping in a cross from the left, one which asked many questions, ones answered by Jason Steele who right received warm applause from a punched clearance.
Continuing their increased work rate, Rangers created another chance, this time from the right as Wayne Routledge slammed over a cross which flew through the six-yard box until turned behind by McMahon.
Rangers became the side most likely to break the deadlock, squeezing Boro for room and gradually player higher up the pitch. Their three in midfield crowded Boro for room and the attacking options and moves were increasingly the property of the West London outfit.
Twice Taarabt forced decent saves with shots from outside the box, he was on the edge of it when almost capitalising on a misunderstanding between Steele and Nicky Bailey, nipping in between the pair and just landing a shot on top of the net.
Boro, resilient, attacked when they could and usually caused problems, but the opening goal came at the other end via a deflection four minutes from half time as Taarabt was picked out inside the Boro box and played a low ball to Heidar Helguson whose low shot from 12 yards looped up off Andrew Davies and over the grounded and stranded Steele.
Half-time: Middlesbrough 0 QPR 1
Boro found it difficult to get going in the early stages of the second half as Rangers passed the ball swiftly, without, though, causing too many problems.
The home side had to work hard to create even half a chance, with Bennett often the outlet ball.
Tony Mowbray needed to change something and made two substitutions just short of the hour.
But it was Rangers who increased their lead with an hour played as Routledge cross from the left and Heidar Helguson time d a run in between Davies and Seb Hines to head home from inside the six yard box in front of goal.
Not for the first time this season Boro shot themselves in the foot when conceding a needless penalty with 67 minutes played as MerouaneZemmama brought down international team mate Adel Taarabt who took the penalty himself, right-footed easily beating Steele.
Boro almost pulled a goal back with another fine free-kick from Tony McMahon. His 30-yard effort was destined for Kenny's top left-hand corner until the goalkeeper's intervention turned the effort into a corner.
It was Boro's first effort on target since McDonald in the opening minute.
McDonald went close with a well-intentioned chip from 20 yards and should have gone closer when set up by Barry Robson, but blazed over from a tight angle.
Middlesbrough: Steele; McMahon, Hines, Davies (Haas 81), Bennett, Emnes (Zemmama 59), Bailey (Capt.), Arca (Robson), Taylor, Lita, McDonald. Subs: Ripley (gk); Grounds, Smallwood, Boyd.
QPR: Kenny; Orr (Connolly 78), Hall, Shittu, Hill, Faurlin, Derry, Buzsaky (Ephraim 69), Routledge, Taarabt (Capt.), Helguson (Hulse 84). Subs: Cerny (gk); Gorkss, Miller, Vaagan Moen.
Referee: Mr K Stroud, Hampshire.
Bookings
Middlesbrough Robson, 71, taking a free-kick too quickly.
QPR Faurlin, 14, foul; Hall, 45, foul.
Attendance: 16,972 (797 visitors)
Conditions: After a damp start to the afternoon it was dry, bright and breezy come kick-off.
http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20110226/middlesbrough-0-qpr-3_70605_53043
QPR Official Site MIDDLESBROUGH 0, QPR 3
Sumptuous R's secure fine away day victory in the North East
QPR strengthened their grip on top spot in the npower
Championship with a stunning away day victory at the Riverside Stadium.
A goal either side of the break from Heidar Helguson, as well as Adel Taarabt's 15th strike of the season from the spot, helped Neil Warnock's men preserve their five-point gap at the summit.
The R's were in front four minutes before the break, after Helguson's deflected effort deceived the keeper before finding the bottom left-hand corner.
Buoyed by their opener, Rangers took control following the half-time interval.
QPR's second goal - and probably their finest of the afternoon - arrived in the 61st minute, after Routledge saw off his marker down the left before finding the head of Helguson, who made no mistake from six yards.
And, after Taarabt was felled in the box just eight minutes later, the magical Moroccan was coolness personified, as he dusted himself down before slotting an effort into the bottom corner of the net.
The R's made one change for the trip to Boro, with Akos Buzsaky coming in for Ishmael Miller.
Fitz Hall and Danny Shittu both retained places in the centre of defence, following impressive displays in Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Paddy Kenny was in goal for the R's, behind a back four of Bradley Orr, Hall, Shittu and Clint Hill.
Shaun Derry and Alejandro Faurlin continued in defensive midfield, behind the attacking trio of Routledge, Taarabt and Buzsaky.
In-form Helguson led the R's line.
Rangers went into this one looking to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the division.
And they were in good form to do so, too.
Indeed, QPR's midweek win over the Tractor Boys extended Warnock and his side's unbeaten run to nine league fixtures, thanks to second-half goals from experienced duo Hill and Helguson.
Meanwhile, Boro - who were, prior to kick-off, just two places above the dreaded drop zone - have enjoyed an improved run of results in recent weeks, with three wins in their last six league matches.
On a fresh afternoon in the North East, the hosts were almost gifted the lead on two minutes.
Kenny's uncharacteristically poor clearance put Scott McDonald clean through on goal but the R's keeper atoned for his error, pulling off a smart stop from the Boro front-man's scuffed effort on 18 yards.
There was little to separate the two sides in the opening quarter of an hour, but you could sense that the R's were starting to grow in confidence as the half wore on.
Taarabt went closest yet for the R's on 32 minutes.
The Moroccan magician sidestepped his marker on the edge of the box, before his stinging low effort was superbly tipped away from the target by Jason Steele.
And Taarabt went even closer just four minutes later.
Kenny's long kick bounced over the Boro defence and, when the R's attacker nipped in to lob Steele, the ball went agonisingly over the bar to land on top of the net.
Rangers were now on top and Helguson missed a glorious chance for QPR to take the lead, firing over on the half volley from 12-yards out following Faurlin's knock-on.
But the Icelandic international wasn't to be denied at the second time of asking, with the R's taking the lead on 41 minutes.
Following a fine passage of passing, the ball eventually found its way out to Taarabt on the left wing and, having beat Tony McMahon, the Rangers skipper squared for Helguson, whose deflected effort totally deceived Steele before trickling into the bottom left-hand corner.
It was a fortuitous goal for the R's, but you had to admit it was coming, as Warnock's men finished the half in the ascendancy.
QPR started the second half on the front foot.
Lovely passing play ended in the returning Buzsaky picking up possession on 20 yards, before his curling right-footed effort went inches wide of the top right-hand corner.
Moments later, Taarabt broke free down the left, only to scuff his 25-yard drive wide.
Boro boss Tony Mowbray made a double substitution on the hour, but - just seconds later - the hosts fell two goals behind.
Tormentor-in-chief Routledge was at his devastating best, skipping to the byline before arching a pinpoint cross with the outside of his foot that Helguson simply couldn't miss.
Having got goal side of Andrew Davies, Helguson buried his header from the edge of the six-yard box, much to the delight of the travelling R's faithful.
Buoyed by doubling their advantage, QPR began to fizz the ball about with ease.
And it from one such delightful move that Rangers made it three.
Taarabt was sent tumbling to ground inside the box and, having won the penalty himself, duly dusted himself down before sending Steele the wrong way.
Having been a relative spectator for the first 70 minutes, Kenny was called into action to pull off a stunning save from Barry Robson's free-kick on 25 yards.
That save, combined with the performance of the R's back four - who were marshalled magnificently by Hall - epitomised every that was positive about QPR's display.
Team work, endeavour, spirit and application - the R's had it all, on a day when Swansea City's lunchtime victory over Leeds United really turned up the heat on Warnock's top-of-the-table charges.
Middlesbrough: Steele, Bailey, McMahon, McDonald, Hines, Arca (Robson 59), Lita, Bennett, Taylor, Emnes (Zemmama 59), Davies (Haas 82).
Subs: Ripley, Boyd, Grounds, Smallwood.
Bookings: Robson (72)
QPR: Kenny, Orr (Connolly 78), Hill, Derry, Hall, Taarabt, Helguson (Hulse 84), Buzsaky (Ephraim 69), Faurlin, Routledge, Shittu.
Subs: Cerny, Gorkss, Vaagan Moen, Miller.
Scorers: Helguson (41 & 61), Taarabt (69)
Bookings: Faurlin (14), Hall (45)
Referee: Mr K P Stroud
Attendance: 16, 972 (797)
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~53043,00.html
NORTHERN ECHO League leaders pile more misery on Boro
RELEGATION worries refuse to go away at the Riverside Stadium after another afternoon to forget for Middlesbrough.
Despite a much-needed win at Millwall seven days earlier, Boro collapsed to their second successive home defeat with a 3-0 loss to Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers.
It might not have been as exciting as the 4-3 thriller that saw them lose to Swansea, but the outcome was very much the same ahead of Nottingham Forest's visit to the North-East on Tuesday.
This was another afternoon when a failure to pick up any points has left them hovering above the bottom three.
QPR's Heidar Helguson put QPR two goals up with a goal either side of half-time before the reliably impressive Adel Taarabt completed the win from the penalty spot 22 minutes from the end.
There might have been 28 points separating these two teams before kick-off, but it hadn't looked that way for the majority of the opening half.
And Middlesbrough had the best chance of that period inside the opening 60 seconds. Paddy Kenny's woeful goal-kick fell kindly for Scott McDonald.
Middlesbrough's Aussie striker, with just the keeper to beat, was denied when Kenny redeemed himself with a low save.
Middlesbrough's problems after that were largely down to their own lapses in concentration.
A routine long ball forward caused unnecessary confusion in the home defence. Goalkeeper Jason Steele, Seb Hines and Nicky Bailey all waited for one another to take charge, Taarabt nipped in and lobbed on to the roof of the net.
And then, after a quick counter attack, Tarrabt cleverly brought down a searching pass from Alejandro Faurlin. The skilful Moroccan was allowed to turn, play in to Helguson, who took a touch before his shot deflected off Andrew Davies to beat Steele.
Regardless of what Mowbray said at the interval, Middlesbrough simply had no response from there on in to the league leaders' higher confidence.
Even when Merouane Zemmama and Barry Robson were introduced by the Boro boss to try to change things just before the hour, seconds later QPR added their second.
Routledge, on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season, burst beyond Tony McMahon and delivered a precise cross with the outside of his boot to tee up Helguson to head in his second.
And when Zemmama went down to tackle compatriot Tarrabt there seemed little point, even more so when referee Keith Stroud pointed to the spot.
Then Tarrabt pushed away Helguson, on a hat-trick, to take the penalty himself and he found Steele's bottom right to send hundreds of Teesside supporters away early
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/reports/8878377.League_leaders_pile_more_misery_on_Boro/
- "Spot the Ball II:" - The Answer!
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