PAAL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL
Knee-ly man Kenneth saves valuable point for shot-shy Rangers right at the death
KENNETH PAAL’S late, late goal rescued a precious point for Rangers – on the day when they unveiled the striker they hope can keep them in the Championship.
Suriname international Paal (above left) diverted the ball home off his knee in the 95th minute at Loftus Road – just when it looked as though QPR were heading for another damaging defeat.
Before the game, they introduced new Swiss striker Michael Frey, signed for around £1.5m from Royal Antwerp.
He netted 33 goals in 69 games for the Belgian club and Rangers, who have scored only five goals in their last seven league games, are hoping the 29-year-old could be the key to survival.
They looked on the way to defeat after Jack Rudoni (bottom left) deservedly put Huddersfield ahead with just four minutes left when he slotted home after Radinio Balker’s volley dropped at his feet.
Marti Cifuentes’ Rangers side have now won only one of their last nine games in the league – but this will feel like a point gained rather than two dropped.
The Spaniard said: “It was not a good performance. We knew there would be a lot of tension around. We didn’t get a grip so we had to make sure we fought and won our duels.
“But I want to praise the guys because after conceding a goal that late and having the personality and the courage to chase the draw shows that even on those days when we are not playing our best, the team is competing well.
“I am pleased because we have got a striker with experience. He has a good scoring capacity and experience and will not be afraid about the challenge ahead of us.”
Terriers manager Darren Moore was warned beforehand by owner Kevin Nagle that this was a “must-win” game. An 11th draw from 22 league games under him might not have been quite what was required, but it was the least his team deserved.
Moore, who afterwards said he had not spoken to Nagle, said: “I’m more pleased with the performance. We are sitting here thinking we should have won. We are not far away.”
Huddersfield, who are still just outside the relegation zone, three points ahead of Rangers, created most of the best chances and could have led early on when keeper Asmir Begovic had to tip over Rhys Healey’s header.
Healey saw another header fly over, and though striker Sinclair Armstrong battled hard, QPR created little.
Michal Helik went close for Huddersfield as did Tom Lees but Rangers sub Elijah Dixonbonner should have scored when Brodie Spencer gave the ball away.