Following cup wins against Leyton Orient and Oxford United Queens Park Rangers found themselves in third round of the EFL cup. Everton were the latest team to make the trip to W12, having started the premier league season well. After two disappointing results Mark Warburtons side will have hoped to get back to winning ways. Former R’s player Andros Townsend was one of the toffees recent additions, someone who has a positive reputation at Loftus Road. Scaring home fans that he might score. Managed by Rafa Benitez the Merseyside club would have never been an easy fixture for the host, with his last visit to the ground seeing him win 6-0 when guiding Newcastle united back to the premier league. A job he excelled at.
Charlie Austin got the chances underway this evening as he saw a shot go wide. Everton went up the other end with a quick reply, but Seny Dieng managed to get a hand to the ball. As he has done many times this season. However, the score didn’t stay level for long. Once more Charlie Austin put the visitors under pressure, scoring from six yards after a cross from out wide. Willock and Chair aided McCallum in making the opportunity. Shortly after the R’s nearly grabbed a second. Chris Willock made his way around the guest players, without a single one managing to get close to the wide player. Narrowly wide. The Toffees then applied more going forward, forcing Dieng to stay on his feet time after time. Couldn’t find the net though. Digne eventually got Everton’s opening goal of the evening, scoring at the back post with a clever finish. But the Rs were not level for long, Charlie Austin got this second, in similar style to his first.
Not long after the break for half time our guest snatched their second equaliser. Former R’s player Andros Townsend converted his shot, celebrating right in front of the travelling Toffees. The sold-out school end erupted. Welcoming back Luke Amos to the pitch after a lengthy injury Loftus Road were on their feet. A player who has worked incredibly hard to make his way back into the team, and football in general. Couldn’t be happier for the midfielder. Everton did not manage to create any chances of significance after this, leaving the travelling fans angry. One more so than the others. With the scores level it was down to penalties to separate the teams. Queens Park Rangers came out on top at the end of the shootout, giving the home fans a buzz which has not been seen in a long time.
In conclusion this was the most dramatic fixture I’ve attended this season. From the highs of taking the lead, to being level after a former R scored. Penalties certainly didn’t help. Congratulations to Queens Park Rangers on a fantastic performance. Couldn’t be prouder of all the players, and management staff at the club. Doing something special this season!
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