League leaders Fulham were the next team to visit Loftus Road. Making the short journey from South, to West London. Having won twenty-three of their previous thirty-seven outings. Including a four one battering of the Rangers when the sides last met. Ahead of this London derby, the cottagers are winless since their visit to South Wales. Swansea going on to concede five goals that afternoon. On the other hand, QPR have been on tragic form. Losing back-to-back games against overachieving squads. Making play off hopes a difficult ask.
The opening chance fell to Fulham. Shooting from twenty yards out, Mitrovic went just wide on three minutes. Reacting quickly the host equalised on opportunities. Finding space four minutes later, as Thomas smacked an effort into the side netting. However, this back-and-forth action did not last. When Fulham had their second opportunity soon after. Bryan testing Westwood from distance. Forcing a last ditch save. On his second attempt, Mitrovic found the back of the net. Tapping home, a low cross from out wide. Coming close to adding a second Fulham hit the woodwork. Seeing Carvalho’s powerful go at goal come back off. Football failure Dion Sanderson took the ball forward for QPR, leading to the travelling keeper spilling the ball. But was able to recover before Dykes could latch on as we hit thirty-two minutes gone. Applying more pressure, Decordova – Reid was unfortunate not to score seven minutes later. A heroic save from Westwood keeping him out. Moments before George Thomas put the ball into Rodak’s hands following a great passage of play.
When play resumed after the break, it was the guest who opened the opportunities. Narrowly missing as Wilson shot from twenty fire yards. Creating a toxic atmosphere in W12 as we approached the hour mark. Deserving of a another, the visitors saw an attempt cleared off the line. Mitrovic making Barbet head away at the final seconds. With fifteen to go Fulham were awarded a penalty. Which they converted from, seeing Mitrovic double his tally for the afternoon. Almost causing a riot in the stands. Spectators with young children leaving the ground, whilst tension rose. Further provoked by the forwards celebrations. One fan being heard to say ‘Why do we put ourselves through this?” as the game grew to a close.
In conclusion Queens Park Rangers have thrown away any hopes of going up. Through their own actions, and lack of ability to remain consistent. Signings such as Westwood, Hendrik and Sanderson all to blame for our downfall. The sooner they depart West London the better.
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