Blues win a thrilling encounter at QPR. Andy Munro reports.
A great win but it could have been a lot easier. Four-nil up at one stage, Rangers made a Villa-style comeback but we held on with major credit to the much maligned Lee Camp.
Initially it seemed a stroll in the park with Che Adams notching a well taken hat-trick and Deane showing Morrison that others can score from a set piece. However, we all reckoned without our ex-Alvechurch nemesis Matt Smith. He’s a much travelled striker but like Glen Murray of Brighton, he’s awkward but very effective and he’s a handful for any defence. Why he’s been moved on so many times I can’t really understand.
In fairness, QPR have a talented squad and at our place were decidedly the superior side. This has been helped by some astute loan signings by the Brolly Man including Nakhi Wells who’s been prolific – penalties aside. However, the points were sealed and although Pederson is an excellent, albeit costly(?) acquisition, it was good to see young Harding retain his place.
With Davies back on the bench alongside Vassell, things are looking set fair on the pitch although we’ll need all our players available if we are to finish in a solid mid-table position (like the Villa?) once the EFL have had their wicked way with a strongly rumoured points deduction. The faceless bureaucrats must be rubbing their hands at the points accumulated that can be deducted even if they’re gutted they can’t fine us a once-anticipated £20 million receipt for Che Adams.