Another cup fail for QPR

IAN HOLLOWAY’S QPR maintained the most pathetic record in English football as they fell at the first hurdle – again.

Rangers have won just two FA Cup games in 15 years, the worst record among regular participants, and have now lost 48 times in the third round – a ‘record’ they share with Plymouth.

Holloway, who in his two spells as boss at Loftus Road has a return in the competition of drawn two, lost five, said: “I didn’t like that performance one bit. The first half was a whimper.

“I am absolutely gutted. We’ve gone right back down the ladder. There was a lack of organisers and leaders. That team has never played together before and will never play together again.”

Holloway made seven changes to the side that won its second match in a row at the start of the week.

One of them, 18-year-old Ebere Eze, showed some flair in the 15 minutes he was on the pitch before limping off. By then, Blackburn were ahead with a goal in keeping with everything that followed. A fine cross by Elliott Bennett saw Sam Gallagher head powerfully goalwards, and although Matt Ingram saved well, he parried against the back of team-mate Joel Lynch’s head and was beaten by the rebound.

Rovers looked to have put the tie well beyond their hosts when Gallagher sprinted clear of the defence and although Ingram saved his shot, Liam Feeney tapped in the rebound.

A minute later QPR won a penalty through substitute Yeni Ngbakoto that was converted by Jake Bidwell that at least added an element of suspense.

Blackburn boss Owen Coyle said: “It was one of the softest penalties I have seen. But I was delighted with the win, which keeps the momentum going.”

So few people turned up that they shut the Ellerslie Road Stand. Those that stayed away were the true winners. Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 54% 46% 4 4 6 4 1 1 4 5 16 11 0 5 0 1 0 0