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QPR host Sheffield United in the EFL Championship at Loftus Road |
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We are in the Loft at Loftus Road to watch the “R”s, Hoops, etc, host the Blades on a sunny afternoon in W12. We’re here for a speacial reason and some Championship football. At half time there will be a tribute to Pauline McCarthy. There’s is a bit in the programme too. Big “R”s fan and much missed. It’s a full house of over 17,000 and we’re behind the goal in the safe standing with the big banner. We don’t know either team but are in the home crowd so hoping for a few goals to cheer for the Hoops. It’s going to be tough as the “R”s are on a poor run in mid-table, The Blades, whose fans are in the upper tier at the other end and 2nd to Leeds and in the automatic promotion spots so a big game for the visitors. They won’t want to leave without 3 points today. A tough task for the “R”s to come away with anything today so will need the 12th man to spur them on. "London Calling" blares out as the players come out. There is no taking the knee or fireworks so it’s straight into the football.
News from Tranmere is that Nigel Adkins has stepped down as Tranmere manager after last weeks home defeat so good luck to the boys today. Hope there’s a boost now the shackles are off. UTFW🥊.
It’s fairly even in the early minutes. The “R”s are getting some joy out wide with the winger Yang looking good on the right but the Blades start to get on top and dominate for a while. Their pressure pays off as a headed goal gives them the lead on 10. 0-1. There is a big noise from the other end who have been quiet until now. They continue to dominate. The Hoops hit them on the break and put the ball in the net on 35 but it’s ruled off-side. Booo. The Blades dominate some more but it remains 0-1.
At half time there are lots of birthdays announced before the tribute to Pauline. There is then an announcement that Stan Bowles family are here because there was private ceremony this morning to scatter his ashes on the pitch. They wanted to score one last goal for him so came on the pitch and kick the ball into the net in front of the Loft. Good job there is no VAR. He was well off-side. Joking aside, RIP to Pauline ❤ and Stan.
It starts fairly even again. The Blades double their lead on 54 from a fast break and a shot outside the box, The are a few chances both ways. The changes start and there are some very high numbers going on and off. Come in number 58, your time is up. QPR are awarded a penalty for handball just inside the box. The important 3rd goal goes to the “R”s. They are inspired and dominate, coming close with a few chances. Dembele has come on and is causing problems on the right so they keep fouling him. Gets nothing for it though. They get more good chances in injury time and some so close to the equaliser but it doesn’t go in. It ends with a 2-1 loss at 90+8.
An entertaining game of football. Not the best quality but plenty of passion on display. The result wasn’t a surprise, we thought the “R”s put up a good scrap and were unlucky not to level it at the end.. The crowd certainly got behind them and showed their dislike of West London “rivals” Chelsea, whoever they are? The Hoops could have done with Clint Hill in defence today. The atmosphere was the highlight. And the tributes to Pauline and Stanley Bowles. The best team won but the “R”s fought hard for a point.
POTM: Goes to speedy winger Yang Min-hyeole. Love a speedy winger playing on the correct foot.
The Scran’O’meter would normally rate a post match meal but as it's a special occasion so the Pizza Express Fiorentina Pizza was a very nice 9/10.
The ref got some abuse from both sets of fans and struggled for consistency. He could just as easily have not given the penalty for the "R"s goal. We all had a good laugh at the linesman who was running up the pitch. He was later hit on the head with a lighter which is totally out of order to a man just doing his job. Besides smoking kills.
Bottle top news: Bobble tops remained unmolested during the bag search.
See you tomorrow.
Love Tranmerekat 🐾
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| In the Loft |
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| Packed in here |
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| There's only one... |
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| Shepherd's Bush Meerkat |
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| RIP Pauline |
