Match Report: West Brom vs QPR

The last time these two sides met, the clash ended in a one all draw at Loftus Road. This meeting at The Hawthorns proved to be just as entertaining as was the first – with Queens Park Rangers coming into the match short on confidence despite their three successive home wins.

The wins momentarily helped them out of relegation danger, but this match was crucial in ensuring that they keep their hopes of remaining in the Barclays Premier League alive. They were weary of Peter Odemwingie who looked forward to add to his 15 goals of the season.

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Shaun Derry returned to the side making the starting line-up by replacing Akos Buzsaky after suspension saw him miss the meeting against Swansea City. In the West Brom camp, Craig Dawson took the place of Jonas Olsson who incurred an injury in a pre-match warm-up.

Bobby Zamora (who was front-man in QPR’s attack) got a decent ball in at the edge of the penalty box inside the first 10’ of the opening half, but was let down by his first touch and ultimately unable to make the shot on target. The home side nicknamed “The Baggies” enjoyed possession and a passing game – building from their midfield while The Rangers worked to tighten their defence. West Brom penetrated the QPR defence when Peter Odemwingie threatened well inside the box at the far post.

He failed to maximise the goal-scoring opportunity when his shot thrilled wide of the right-hand post, much to the relief of goalkeeper Paddy Kennedy. The early action together with the physical nature of the game set the tone of the must win match for Mark Hughes’ side.

The involvement of Thomas and Odemwingie following a throw in led to the unmarked Graham Dorrans’ long-range strike beating Paddy Kenny after 22’, leaving The Rangers with all to do. QPR pressed forward within the last minutes of the first half in search of the equaliser but Zamora and Mackie would register moments of unrewarded efforts. A long ball from Taiwo spotted Zamora on the run forward resulting in his shot blocked by David Foster.

Shaun-Wright Phillips joined the attack in the second half replacing Derry for The Rangers. An out-of sorts QPR barely survived when Brunt’s flat pass through the right flank found Odemwingie inside the box, and his back-heel pass to Jones created a chance that was arguably the best one that would have sealed a 2 nil victory after 55’. In the end, Dorrans’ blast would be the decisive goal on the day between the two teams.

‘’It’s frustrating. We were great on Wednesday beating Swansea 3-0 but we didn’t hit that level here. There were a number of chances we could have converted with a bit more presence of mind.’’ QPR manager- Mark HughesWritten by Lebo PoenFollow her on Twitter @ellpoenPlease like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter