The first half was a buzzing performance in a buzzing atmosphere. Having the Fortuna fans around really helped to get the fans going and the QPR fans didn't sit on their hands. Overall it was a very entertaining half with some sleek passing football topped off with a stunning reaction save from Gerken. Without Murphy there wasn't a clear target for long balls so we got to see passing football instead - while it was pretty to watch it was also ineffective when pushing forwards with the QPR defence almost always in control.

Joey Barton played the clown role by deliberately placing the ball slightly outside the line for corners but at such an angle the fans could see the ball was out of play but the officials could not. It didn't really matter as his corners were scruffy at best.

In the second half it was clear QPR were a bit more determined but it was still quite a level game until they scored. Not sure which players were at fault but the defence crumbled and offered very little resistance to the second and third. Town's goal was a deserved consolation.

3-1 was a harsh score with the only real difference between the two teams the ability to score. I hope Mick keeps this team together for another game as I believe they could dominate a weaker team.

2

Well this was definitely a game of two halves, to coin a phrase, in the first half we looked dangerous on the break and seemed very capable of dealing with and nullifying any QPR threat. The second half was much more the visitors half although we did have odd moments. Overall a greatly improved performance from last weeks' debacle against Preston.

Gerken - Back and looked nervous at times, one splendid save in the first half but seemed very hesitant to come off his line for any crosses. Not sure he could have done much with the goals and was unfortunate for the second when a save went straight to the attacker.

Chambers - A worrying injury but looked more adventurous than of late going forward

Smith - A bit rusty perhaps but decent overall, his slip led to their 3rd but redressed it with a splendid finish any striker would be proud of.

Berra - Again looked decent, but perhaps along with the entire defence lacks the pace of some fast strikers. One splendid saving tackle in the first half.

Cresswell - Looked assured, always time on the ball and definitely good enough for premiership football.

Hyam - Much better than of late, although an early booking did perhaps stifle his game. Still needs work on the attacking part of his game.

Anderson - Looked bright for the opening 30 minutes but faded. Was clean through on goal in that first half and should perhaps have shot, 2nd half anonymous.

Tunnicliffe - Seems the real deal, certainly time on the ball and has a burst of speed when needed. Ran out of steam towards the end of the 2nd half but clearly a first choice.

Skuse - Does all his work in the wrong part of the pitch in my opinion. And with Hyam and Tunnicliffe perhaps too samey for all 3 to be in a midfield.

McGoldrick - Not his best game, but still bright and carried a threat, along with Taylor he seemed to be frustrated by lack of service and went off looking to do it on his own.

Taylor - Our man of the match, good on the ball, clever, quick, tricky and clearly just needs a run in the team.

Subs - Hunt - disappointing, Nouble - What ever does he add.....? Would rather have seen Alan Lee, which would have at least lifted a larger than normal crowd.

Overall - midfield is the problem, total lack of creativity resulting in the strikers going to look for the ball. Tactically, as you would expect we seem hell bent on long balls and being sound at the back, once we go behind is there a proper Plan B?

Highlight of the day - seeing the 116 Fortuna Dusseldorf fans, and the splendid half time entertainment including Mr Chandler celebrating with the worthy crossbar winner!

2

This was a tough game for Town to keep a clean sheet and so it proved to be. A game of two halves, town were the better team in the 1st half with a more than competent display of keep ball, something town have clearly lacked in recent home performances. Both teams lined up with a 4 5 1 formation and Ranger's team wouldn't have looked out of place in the Premier league with Niko Krankjaer, Joey Barton, Benoit Assou Ekotto, Yossi Benayoun, Richard Dunne and Robert Green (who was relentlessly jeered at the whole afternoon). I was disappointed with the defending that led to Ranger's first goal as Kranjaer was allowed to waltz across the penalty area to then beat Gerken with a less than powerful strike low to the keeper's left. It was a soft goal to concede and with a strong suspicion of offside the home crowd vented their frustration at the official for not raising his flag. It was downhill for Town after the break as the visitors capitalized on an inefficient defensive display as Gary O'neil doubled Rangers lead when he pounced on the flailing Gerken who failed to clear an effort on target.
I consider QPR to be the strongest team on paper in the Championship this season and it was a game Town were not expected to win, however the scoreline flattered the visitors even with Tommy Smith's spectacular solitary consolation volley late on. Town need to strengthen their midfield if there going to mount a genuine promotion challenge.

2

A scoreline which hardly reflects the way we played for long periods of the game , the first half was a real eye opener to what we are capable of producing with an attacking mentality running through the side. second half , at least after their first goal we failed to reach the same levels , and it all became a bit desperate after their second , 3 - 0 would have completely flattered them so it was nice to see tommy smith make amends for what looked a very unlucky and wicked 'bobble' which lead to the goal that killed the game . Everyone can be pleased with their performances throughout , particular mention to luke hyam , who imo was our man of the match

1