Rowett gets his revenge
Watmore 31, Burke 78
GARY ROWETT admitted ending Millwall’s 34-year wait for a win at Loftus Road was made all the sweeter by how QPR celebrated victory at The Den this season.
Back then the Hoops were flying high but they have not won at home since they were top of the Championship in October.
By contrast Rowett’s Lions are up to fifth after goals from January signings Duncan Whatmore and Oli Burke.
Rowett said: “This feels sweeter because we have a bit of rivalry with QPR.
“They more than enjoyed their win at our place so it is important we enjoy the win. We had to work hard for it.”
The seeds for a lively derby were sown when a lone QPR fan shouted out “F*** Millwall” during a minute’s silence for victims of the Turkey earthquake, which brought a vociferous response from the away end.
It took 31 minutes for either side to give the fans more to shout about, with the visitors sparked into wild celebrations when Zian Flemming slipped in Watmore to rifle a left-foot finish into the roof of the net.
QPR gift-wrapped the points when Ethan Laird, Jimmy Dunne and Rob Dickie got in each other’s way from a Flemming long throw to leave Burke with a far post tap-in.
Hoops debutant Chris Martin set up a chaotic finish when he headed in Ilias Chair’s cross.
Boss Neil Critchley said: “I have questioned the players in the past but not today.
“It was just two lapses in concentration that cost us.
“Chris showed his quality and I am delighted for him.”
Dieng 6; Laird 5, Dickie 6, Dunne 6, Paal 5; Field 5, Johansen 5 (Martin (64) 7); Dozzell 5, Chair 6; Armstrong 6 (Willock (69) 4) (Adomah (76) 5), Lowe 5
MILLWALL: Long 6; McKenna 6, Cresswell 7, Cooper 7, Wallace 6; Mitchell 7, Saville 7; Honeyman 7 (Leonard (90) 5), Flemming 7 (Shackleton (85) 5), Watmore 8 (Burke (68) 6); Bradshaw 7 (Voglsammer (85) 6)
STAR MAN: Duncan Whatmore – Clinical finish sent Millwall on their way to victory.
REF: Dean Whitestone 7