Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn Rovers

HOOPS
The Gaffer
FIRSTLY, MAY I EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO TONY
MOWBRAY, HIS STAFF, PLAYERS AND ALL ASSOCIATED
WITH BLACKBURN ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB.
T
ony has had to deal with
losing key players and
therefore implemented a
different style of play to that of
recent seasons. However, they
possess quality individuals and an
evident team unity that will present
us with another tough challenge
here this evening.
Tony’s teams will always be
exceptionally well organised and hardworking,
and we must match both
those aspects and the quality within
their ranks if we’re to emerge with the
sought-after points. We are, as always,
looking forward to the encounter and
to sharing a post-game drink with
Tony and his staff.
I’m writing these notes the morning
after a bitterly disappointing
result against our west London
rivals Fulham. The 4-1 scoreline
flattered our opposition, but the
harsh fact is that we gave away soft
goals at important stages of the
fixture when, in truth, we had the
opportunity to potentially build on an
excellent equaliser and a strong start
to the second half.
I felt the early exchanges were
dominated by Fulham. We showed
too much respect, failed to win our
duels and challenges, gave away
a poor goal and after 25 minutes
looked distinctly second best.
However, the players dug in and
showed both their quality and desire,
starting to dominate possession
and creating chances, culminating
in Chris Willock seeing his shot
ricochet off a post. We finished the
half on top and showed that when we
have the belief and play on the front
foot, we can more than compete
with any team in the division.
The players continued this positive
approach into the start of the second
period, dominating the ball and
causing our opposition numerous
problems. The equalising goal was
both well-deserved and superbly
taken by Lyndon and immediately put
us in the ascendency.
We failed to capitalise on this
position, though, and gave away
two easily avoidable goals in the
space of 10 minutes and simply gave
ourselves too much to do against a
team refuelled with confidence.
Yes, we’re still a young team coming
together and there’s no doubt about
the quality of players we possess and
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