Team: Smithies, Onuoha, Angella, Hill, Perch, Faurlin, Henry (El Khayati), Phillips, Chery (Luongo), Hoilett, Polter (Mackie)
Subs Not Used: Ingram, Kpekawa, Tozser, Washington
Attendance: 17,894 (including 3,026 Brentford fans)
The key to yesterday’s win against Hounslow United was playing the same team and system as Tuesday night – Jimmy didn’t tinker and hey-ho success!
I was surprised to see Clint Hill start as he got an injury against Derby and he seemed to struggle before half-time but in true old school fashion, Clint played through it.
Although he isn’t the future, his talking and leadership is an example to all. I hope that Ned is taking this on board?
Another player who is now flourishing under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is Karl Henry who has surprised me with his positive forward play, which matched with his undoubtedly ability to break up play in midfield, has been outstanding in the last two games.
Two players who are playing for their futures are firstly, Junior Hoilett, who has been a revelation of late and yesterday’s wonder strike proved that he does have an end product! So Junior, wherever you end up next season, why wait till now to show your real worth? Pass the pen someone.
The other player who is definitely thinking of places away from Loftus Road, and that is Matt Phillips. Although it was a good solid team performance yesterday, he looked uninterested and did just enough – £7m for our Scottish international? Mmm Burnley might have a nibble – I hope!
Finally, Polter, the ‘BFG’, bundles of enthusiasm, non-stop work rate and a real nuisance value in the box – if Floyd Hasselbaink can sort his touch we will have a match winner next season.
W12boy
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink recorded his first back-to-back wins as QPR boss with a comfortable win over Brentford.
Junior Hoilett opened the scoring by unleashing an unstoppable effort from the edge of the box. QPR’s lead was doubled when Tjaronn Chery’s perfectly weighted ball found Sebastian Polter, who slotted underneath David Button.
Chery secured the three points shortly after with a composed finish, his fourth goal in four Loftus Road games. The R’s remain in 11th despite their West London derby win, while the Bees stay 17th.
Brentford’s best chance came straight after Hoilett’s opener, but Ryan Woods’ fierce strike from long range struck the base of the post.
Former centre-back Dean Smith will be concerned with his Brentford side’s defence, which has now conceded 12 in the last four away games.
The result sees QPR win three home games in a row for the first time since 2014.
QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: “We were very well organised, not really in trouble, and we defended well. I’m very happy with the performance.”
“Junior took the goal really well and then after that you get a little more positivity and you can do certain things – you feel freer.”
“You can’t just control a game with the ball, you have to be able to suffer without the ball as well, and we did that.”
Brentford manager Dean Smith: “I thought the game turned on the second goal. There should have been a free kick and they scored.”
“We lost confidence after that. With the results we’ve been having, confidence is low. Goals change games and the second goal changed that. We always believed we were in it.”
BBC Sport
Clint Hill was like a battlefield General marshalling his troops and he soldiered on when he was clearly struggling.
An outstanding goal put us in front but the visitors did hit the post in the first-half and several of their efforts flashed narrowly past the post.
Seb Polter was really fired up and eventually got the goal that he deserved. Karl Henry received a standing ovation in recognition of his efforts as he departed on 82 minutes.
Great atmosphere and the R’s fans sang: ‚”3-0 On Your Big Day Out.”
Steve Russell
As ever, really enjoyed the match report – especially as the contents matched my thoughts exactly. Keep up the good work!