Town’s Boxing Day home game with QPR ended in a drab 0-0 draw. Neither side created many chances throughout the 90 minutes, while the Blues had a good case for a penalty in the final minute when Joe Garner’s header was handled by Jack Robinson, shortly after the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Josh Scowen was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Teddy Bishop was handed his first start of the season as Mick McCarthy made five changes from the team which lost 1-0 at Wolves on Saturday.

Jonas Knudsen, who missed out at Molineux as he was ill, David McGoldrick, Dominic Iorfa and Freddie Sears also returned to the XI with Bersant Celina, Grant Ward, Jordan Spence and Myles Kenlock dropping to the bench and Kevin Bru, who was at a funeral, out of the 18.

With Cole Skuse still sidelined with his ankle injury, Bishop, whose only other start in 2017 was at Rotherham in April, joined Callum Connolly in one of the deeper lying midfield roles with Sears and McGoldrick either side of Martyn Waghorn behind lone out and out striker Joe Garner.

For the visitors, who had gone 18 games and 50 years since last winning away on Boxing Day, Jordan Cousins came into the midfield for Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was among the subs.

Former Blues loanee Massimo Luongo also started, while Jamie Mackie missed out due to a glute injury despite having returned from a suspension.

Town dominated the early exchanges with Garner shooting over from a Waghorn knockdown in the third minute.

A minute later, McGoldrick was fed on the right of the area by Waghorn and struck a goal-bound effort which QPR keeper Alex Smithies saved down to his left.

From Waghorn’s corner, skipper Luke Chambers bundled a bouncing ball wide of the near post from six yards.

QPR began to see more of the ball but without creating a chance as the game moved past the 10-minute mark.

On 14 Luke Freeman played in Cousins inside the box after the former Arsenal youngster had found himself in space midway inside the Town half, but Chambers slid in to block as the former Charlton man shot.

Four minutes later, Bishop took himself past two defenders on halfway with a brilliant turn before being upended by Luongo. Scowen was shown his first yellow card of the afternoon for kicking the ball away.

Knudsen joined him in the book in the 24th minute for hauling back a breaking Cousins. From the freekick, Freeman floated the ball to the far post from where Jake Bidwell volleyed from a tight angle and Bartosz Bialkowski palmed over. From the resultant corner., Alex Baptiste headed into the Town keeper’s arms.

QPR were by now in control having most of the ball with the Blues struggling to break into the Hoops’ half.

But as the game moved past the half hour mark Town began to regain the ascendency and on 33 McGoldrick curled a shot not too far beyond Smithies’s right post from just outside the box.

Idrissa Sylla volleyed over for QPR on 40 before Bishop, who had looked lively and had made headway running at the opposition, was replaced by Ward having picked up another injury. The 21-year-old made his way to the tunnel, clearly frustrated at having been forced off by another fitness problem.

In the final scheduled minute of the half, a Waghorn corner from the right ran loose inside the six-yard box at the near post but no Town player was able to get in a decisive touch.

In two minutes of injury time, with Town ending the half strongly, Garner cleverly backheeled towards Sears on the right of the box but the ball was intercepted, then Connolly hit a powerful shot from 25 yards which Smithies saved down to his left. The loose ball ran to the Blues right and Iorfa who teed-up Garner, who shot over.

Referee Andy Davies’s whistle ended a half of few chances at both ends. The Blues had started brightly, McGoldrick forcing Smithies into the game’s first save, but they subsequently allowed the visitors to get on top and Bidwell’s chance which Bialkowski turned over was the best opportunity of the period.

Town took charge again towards the break and were putting the Hoops under pressure in the minutes before the whistle.

The half’s big negative was Bishop being forced off, the midfielder, who underwent groin surgery in August, having spent so much of the last two and a half years on the sidelines.

QPR had the better of the opening minutes of the second half, Cousins sending over a dangerous ball from the right, which flew just beyond Sylla nine minutes after the restart.

Moments later, Waghorn looked to have been fouled by Luongo five yards outside the area on the right but referee Davies waved play on and the Australian brought the ball into the area before hitting a shot which was blocked by one of a number of Town players who dived across its path.

In the 63rd minute Pawel Wszolek caught Knudsen in possession on halfway but Webster did well to get back to take the ball from him on the right of the box. At the other end, Garner played McGoldrick in on goal but the Irish international was flagged offside.

Chances if anything were rarer in a dull second half than they had been in the first but on 74 Knudsen crossed from the left and Sears flicked a header well wide. Garner tried to get the ball back in from the right but the danger was cleared.

QPR replaced Sylla with Matt Smith on 80 with Town fans starting to call for introduction of Celina, who had been warming up on the touchline for some time already changed into his shirt.

On 81 Chambers superbly blocked a Wszolek cross from the right, then seconds later the Polish international chipped over.

Celina was finally introduced for Sears in the 84th minute, then two minutes later the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

Ward threaded a clever pass in for Waghorn, who took the ball on before returning to the sub, who was felled as he broke towards the area by Scowen, who was showed his second yellow and then a red card, referee Davies’s first since Boxing Day last year. Celina took the freekick and curled it just over the bar.

Rain was falling heavily as the game moved into its final few minutes. There was controversy in the 88th minute when Celina crossed from the right, Garner powered a header goalwards and Robinson blocked.

The Town striker claimed the Rangers defender had used a hand and photographic evidence suggested he had a very strong case but referee Davies waved the appeals away.

In injury time Rangers also had a penalty appeal of their own when Iorfa chested the ball away on the edge of the box under pressure, but it was difficult to argue that the on-loan Wolves man had handled deliberately even if the ball had struck his hand, which wasn't clear.

The visitors who had the better chances in the closing moments, sub Smith shooting straight at Bialkowski, then in the final seconds another sub, Bright Osayi-Samuel, hit an effort over.

Boos greeted the final whistle after a disappointing display from the Blues, their poorest at Portman Road for some weeks.

Despite having spells on top they never really put the visitors under sustained spells of pressure and Smithies was forced into only a couple of saves all match.

Celina made an impact having come on and it was a surprise that the Kosovan international wasn’t brought on earlier with the Blues having made little headway for much of the second half.

QPR will feel they had opportunities to turn their point into three, even after being reduced to 10 men, although like Smithies Bialkowski was hardly overworked.

Drawing at home against a side in 18th place with a poor away record must be considered two points dropped by the Blues, who remain 10th but now five points off the top six ahead of Saturday’s home game against Derby.

Town: Bialkowski, Iorfa, Chambers (c), Webster, Knudsen, Connolly, Bishop (Ward 42), McGoldrick, Waghorn, Sears (Celina 84), Garner. Unused: M Crowe, T Smith, Spence, Kenlock, McDonnell.

QPR: Smithies, Baptiste, Onuoha (c), Robinson, Wszolek, Cousins (Osayi-Samuel 82), Luongo, Scowen, Bidwell, Freeman, Sylla (M Smith 80). Unused: Lumley, Furlong, Hall, Washington, Chair, Osayi-Samuel. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire). Att: 18,696 (QPR: 703).

Photo: TWTD

blueboy1981 added 18:40 - Dec 26 I, along with many others who gave up their Season Tickets, went today and the experience proved two things to me. 1. I was right to give up my Season Ticket. 2. The Manager is as still a Dinosaur, making the same weird and (not so wonderful) team selections / substitutions as ever. Why continue to waste the undoubted skill and ability of McGoldrick by playing him wide ?? Why continue to play Sears wide ?? - evident he just cannot play there and be effective. This is still the Freddie Sears, that still has much ability, if only played in his rightful position. Anyone who continuously knocks Sears, quite simply, hasn't a clue about the game they are watching - and there are some !! - unfortunately. Why waste the undoubted ability / potential of Celina for 80 minutes of the game (at home) - after him warming up for 20 minutes .... ?? Why make 5 changes from the game v Wolves ?? - representing almost have the team. The Dinosaur philosophy will be again - NO SUCH THING AS A BAD POINT. This was a game when so many could have been enticed to return - opportunity totally LOST. Was I tempted to go to the Derby game after today - most certainly - NOT. Am I disappointed at that - most definitely - YES. From the heart of someone who has loved the Club for a very, very long time, but my enthusiasm to be there has diminished considerably, for good reason.

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dannyrr added 18:43 - Dec 26 Merry Christmas Olly from MM. Today was the day we should've gone for the three points not Saturday against Derby who we rarely beat at home. We normally win away there and they normally win away at Portman Road. Awful Iorfa was beaten too easily time after time and that wing was their choice for attack and was successful. What has Spenc done to not get a game? Offered very little in the way of attack today and don't recall Smithies having to make a save. The extra 3000 home fans will not be persuaded to return on Saturday on the basis of that performance. Even when QPR were reduced to 10 men it looked more likely that they would score as we kept possession by adding to our possession stats by constantly passing back. Bringing on Celina for just over 5minutes isn't the way or long enough to change the course of the game. No doubt MM chose not to bring him on as the fans were expecting it on the regulation 68 minutes. When we have any chance of making playoffs the tactics and team are changed to ensure we don't pick up too many points. Millwall had no problem taking the game to high flying Wolves.

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hyperbrit added 18:52 - Dec 26 ...why on earth would Bart want to stay with a team that's going nowhere??
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ChrisFelix added 19:05 - Dec 26 Why sears,why no spence or celena. Of the 3 games this was one we should win. Cant see us beating Derby or Fulham
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Freddies_Ears added 19:06 - Dec 26 Robbed by an appalling ref blunder late on - an obvious handball, the defender actually raised his arm to block it. Should have been a straight red too.
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blueboy1981 added 19:10 - Dec 26 Tony88 ......... the return of another 'happy clappie' ..... obviously. No doubt you've seen tour game of Football on Boxing Day, which is all that matters to you.
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Tony88 added 19:13 - Dec 26 There is a rumour going about that as MM is having such a successful season he is going to take up the option of staying another season. Deep joy.
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blueboy1981 added 19:17 - Dec 26 ....... Tony88 - no doubt you'd be ecstatic if that proved true. You'll be the only ones left eventually.
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tallguy6767 added 19:25 - Dec 26 If Mccarthy gets another season there will be about 8000 down there next season
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Surco72 added 19:37 - Dec 26 Kids asked if we were going to boxing day home game as normal and nobody wanted to go as interest has completely gone . 7 hours travelling and much money saved , beers , wine and board games done . Won't be back till MM has gone
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Bluetone added 19:43 - Dec 26 So that was McCarthy's Christmas pressie for Holloway a gift at our fans expense and this earned him fulsome praise from a grateful Holloway.
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shakytown added 19:57 - Dec 26 Are there anymore injury prone average midfielders out there for us to sign.
2

Ipswichbusiness added 20:00 - Dec 26 If we are serious about the play offs then we have to beat teams in the lower half of the league, especially when we are playing at home. Unfortunately, MM is not serious, just doing the minimum it takes to stay in a job.
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Dissboyitfc added 20:06 - Dec 26 They were there for the taking and what does MM do? He leaves the most talented player we have, the potential match winner on the bench until the last 5mins! Thought Webster was immense today,he had an awesome game! MM out!!
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KiwiBlue2 added 20:30 - Dec 26 Very disappointing result. Apart from Spence not starting McGoldrick should have been in the centre not wide and 5 minutes for Celina was absurd. He should have been on for at least 30 minutes, preferably starting. We are not that good that we can generously give our dirt trackers starting roles and expect to win. This game should have been a 3 pointer
5

GatesofDelirium added 20:31 - Dec 26 Currie10 - spot on!
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TimmyH added 20:51 - Dec 26 Well on paper this was and should have been a game to take 3 points, saw the starting line up (didn't go today) and saw that Sears was starting and Spence (good game against Wolves and Reading had been dropped!! for the average Iorfa and shook my head). By the sounds of it a largely dull game which we just about got away with getting a point...couldn't helping thinking afterwards maybe QPR a team not noted for retaining the ball unlike some other teams we've played at home against and had success against would be our undoing as they haven't fallen into Mick's counter attacking tactic - we had more possession than them!! and don't win. Said after the shock away win at Derby that 1 swallow doesn't make a summer and it's consistency we should be looking at and then a few of the McCarthy 'rear-enders' can gloat, this has proved my point since then. What will the Derby game bring? who knows with our consistency.

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jas0999 added 21:00 - Dec 26 Blueboy1981 - great initial post. Sums things up nicely. I renewed against my better judgement and although at times better than last year, it has on the whole been poor. The Preston game stands out. We won 3-0. You'd think it was brilliant - yet until an albeit excellent free kick from Waghorn - the first half was so boring, the folk around me suggested bringing in a dart board for the next game. Okay, it improved, but MM set up to defend against a team missing EIGHT defenders. Only Sunderland stands out as a real entertaining game. Maybe Forest.

8

dirtydingusmagee added 21:15 - Dec 26 we are missing a couple of posters cant think who they are ...........mmmmmmmmm let me think.
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casper16 added 21:16 - Dec 26 Was looking forward to going today. Had not been since Norwich. After some recent recent results I was more than hopeful of a good performance. Oh how wrong I was. I take my hat off to anyone who attends each week. Only 2 players stood out - Webster & bishop. Most were poor but Knudsen & iorfa were shocking. Surlely it's time to give out own young fullbacks a run. They can't be any worse. I feel sorry for sears being constantly played out of position & then taking stick for it. Why oh why was Celina not on for longer & why was he left for 13minutea standing on the side line when there were numerous opportunities to bring him on. This was my 4th visit of the season after giving up my season ticket. Sadly this will be my last till macarthy goes.

6

blueherts added 21:24 - Dec 26 90 minutes and 4 hours travelling i will not get back ! After Wolves on saturday where we put in a decent performance this was dire . IORFA shocking . Yes we have alot of midfielders out but Dids and Sears out wide Garner , who flatters to deceive and an out of sorts Connolly (who has been good) but with just an under cooked bishop we were always gonna struggle . Strange game not to go for the juggular . With Fulham and Derby to come this was our chance to get 3 points . Waste of a boxing day . Thanks Mick .

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blueboy1981 added 21:26 - Dec 26 ........ the saddest thing of all is that although we have a long list of injuries - we have so much more potential in the available squad (and on the pitch) that is being under utilised - we effectively played with 9 men and two part men today (McGoldrick and Sears out of position). If only we had a Manager who made the most of what we have ....... !!!!
11

heathen66 added 23:53 - Dec 26 Very poor game, with no intent from either team to win it Very poor tactics, no intent from either team to win it Very poor team selection / substitution (Iorfa should be no where near the matchday 18) Keep your playmaking match winning midfielder waiting (getting cold) for nearly 15 mins...and then give him 6 mins Really shows Mick for what he is, out dated but unfortunately not out of here. I wonder what other injury prone loans we can sign in January to keep Huws, Bishop, Hyam, Adeyimi and co company in the treatment room...what id Jonny Williams doing in the new year ???

6

Minneapolis_ITFC added 01:58 - Dec 27 Situation analysis does not make for good reading. Too inconsistent to challenge, can't take advantage of a good opportunity presented, too many team changes or players not utilized to proper effect. McCarthy is the epitome of dull, here you got an individual that seems unable to make a distinction between the value of one point or three, and appears satisfied with a drawn game regardless of how it occurs. If that's truly his way forward, then the only thing remaining is to resign your ass. But that's the damn problem, I don't believe he has any real intention of moving on as let's face it, where else in sports "entertainment" can you frequently perform week in week out at sub-standard level and get away with it. Much as it frustrates I acknowledge he's not entirely to blame for all that's gone wrong, as the owner turns a blind eye to our continuation of falling behind year after year and won't do a damn thing to rectify the situation. FA Cup rounds are coming our way, 40 year anniversary believe it or not - to McCarthy and Evans it won't matter a rat's ass we'll most likely be eliminated at the earliest opportunity. Bottom line, We Want Our Club Back.

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Sam added 06:19 - Dec 27 Sears for Celina, IORFA for Spence. Amazes me that Celina came on in the 84th minute. Ridiculous changes apart from Bishop.
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