My first visit to Loftus Road. Straight to the game from work meant I left the house at 5:40 in the morning and expect to be home around 1am tomorrow. I really must be mad.
The somewhat cheerful trip down to the smoke was in stark contrast to the opening day trip to Gillingham where the Smiths to centre stage on the stereo and talk of relegation filled the car. Who said a fortnight was a long time in football? Jan Sorensen?
The Saddlers appeared to have exited their dressing room at about the same time that we left the Springbok pub so things must be serious. One day we might even see the kick off, which would be in stark contrast to Brentford last season where we only just made the kick off for the second half. High hopes we had that day! This mood of optimism is a concern.
The game mirrored the first leg with QPR taking the fight to a well organised and disciplined Walsall back four. Mike Sheron had a couple of chances early and really should have scored. Had he not been shit he probably would have.
As the half wore on the reds began to have more of say and whilst never quite dictating the game finished the half impressively. The second half saw Saddlers much more dominant and it came as a bit of a shock when QPR drew first blood. Sheron taking advantage of some poor defending.
At this point their keeper decided to thank the Walsall fans behind his goal for their teams generosity by sticking two fingers up at us. What a sad, irritating, sing when you’re winning bastard.
The boys fought back well and the recently introduced Micky Ricketts crossed for Rammell to head goalwards with nine minutes left. The goalkeeper fumbled the initial header and Rammell made sure in the ensuing scramble.
Not such a smart arse now is he? More of a lanky fuckwit.
Extra time saw QPR take the tie with a goal in each half but the celebration that followed the third goal left another bad taste in the mouth. Following Slade’s goal he turned 180 degrees to salute the away fans with his arms raised and his head nodding. Only one word will suffice here - wanker.
Despite this ill feeling the performance was again very creditable and we exited the competition and West London with our heads held high.