QPR 2 Blackpool 1

Last updated : 14 October 2002 By Footymad Previewer

QPR remain unbeaten at home after beating Blackpool 2-1 at Loftus Road.

"I was proud of them today," said Ian Holloway after the game.

"They kept their focus. I think this is a tough division but hopefully we'll be in the mix at the end of the season."

In a lively game QPR's opening chance came in the tenth minute when Jerome Thomas unleashed a 20-yard right-foot shot that was saved by Phil Barnes.

Seven minutes later Terrell Forbes played the ball through to Richard Langley who ran to the edge of the area before striking the ball under Barnes to make it 1-0 to QPR.

Paul Furlong had a chance to double the scores just before half time with a header but Tommy Jaszczun cleared the ball off the line to deny Rangers.

Scott Taylor then had a chance to level the scores just minutes later but failed to control the ball when clear on goal to the frustration of the travelling Blackpool fans.

At the start of the second half, Rangers again had a chance to double their lead as Kevin Gallen crossed to Furlong but again it was cleared away by the Blackpool defence.

Blackpool soon rallied, showing determination, and a mistake from the Rangers defence saw John Hills knock the ball into the area for Taylor to equalise in the 63rd minute.

Two minutes later Blackpool made a defensive mistake of their own as Furlong played the ball through to Gallen but it was intercepted by Blackpool's Chris Clarke, who poked the ball past his own keeper.

"It was a dreadful schoolboy error," said Blackpool manager Steve McMahon after the game.

After the own goal Rangers were then dominant, after having killed off the Seasiders' challenge.

The last moments saw Holloway make three substitutions as he played down time but QPR continued to attack and were rewarded with a well-deserved win