Team: Smithies, Furlong (Smith), Bidwell, Baptiste, Robinson, Scowen, Wszolek, Ngbakoto (Osayi-Samuel), Freeman, Mackie (Sylla), Washington
Subs Not Used: Lumley, Lynch, Caulker, Manning
Attendance: 12,500 (including 315 Burton fans)
A poor result against a poorer side. It showed that we have very little in depth regarding our squad.
The players that came in….simply not good enough at this level!
With Massimo Luongo out, once again, it was both Luke Freeman and Josh Scowen who were simply miles ahead of anyone else. Without any of these three players, it will be a struggle throughout the season.
A back four who were shaky to say the least, and upfront, both, once again deceive to flatter.
You know what you get with Jamie Mackie, however, can someone tell me what Conor Washington brings to the party week in week out, as I am at a loss?
Jimmy Murray
Jamie Mackie and Luke Freeman both went close for QPR as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Burton Albion at Loftus Road.
QPR dominated possession but could only muster four shots on target as they drew for the fourth time this season.
Freeman came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second-half with a shot just wide of the left-hand post, while Mackie fired over from 12 yards out.
Sean Scannell struck a post for Burton, who extended their unbeaten run to three matches. Scannell’s effort was one of only five attempts at goal for Nigel Clough’s side, who move three points above the relegation zone.
QPR failed to win at home for just the second time this season but saw Mackie and Freeman threaten. Mackie had the clearest sight of goal after being played in by Pawel Wszolek but he couldn’t keep his shot down.
Wszolek also teed up Conor Washington in the second-half, but his shot was blocked as Ian Holloway’s side were left frustrated.
QPR manager Ian Holloway said: “It was the worst first-half performance I’ve seen. We played into their hands. We’re notoriously rubbish at QPR at beating anyone we’re expected to beat.”
“I made what I thought were positive changes. Did it work? Nearly. We pinned them in during the second-half and had more and more chances.”
“I’m pleased with the clean sheet – we could easily have slipped up. They could have counter-attacked with the pace they’ve got.”
Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough said: “Over the course of the game it’s a fair result. But when the opportunities are there you’ve got to take them.”
“It’s difficult when you’re under pressure like we were in the second-half. Therefore, in the first-half, when you sense there’s a bit of space and time to play, make the most of it.”
“It’s still a good point, but if we could have got that goal in the first-half then it really gives you something to hang on to.”
BBC Sport
There was a flurry of movement as some stewards suddenly set off up South Africa Road pre-match. I didn’t think that Burton had brought along a Firm, and eventually I spotted a track-suited Nigel Clough leading his players up the road.
We all know about our defensive availability problems, but why did Ollie stick Yeni Ngbakoto in centre-mid? I really didn’t think that Conor Washington should have started, but to be fair a lot of his ‘service’ was long/high ball!
Massimo Luongo was badly missed and LuaLua was excluded for disciplinary reasons apparently.
The visitors almost took the lead after 12 minutes, but Alex Smithies managed to smother the ball as it came off the post.
Luke Freeman put over a dangerous ball, which then headed goal-bound after coming off a defender and Stephen Bywater just kept it out despite diving the wrong way.
Ollie did thankfully change it for the second-half and, although we had most of the possession, and, eventually with three strikers involved, there was very little actually on target!
Matty Smith didn’t win very much in the air, Conor Washington was generally ineffective, and I’m hoping Idrissa Sylla starts on Tuesday night.
On a positive note, I really liked the look of debutant, Bright Osayi-Samuel. He was very lively down the left-wing, a breath of fresh air and I also hope he starts at Barnsley.
There was a brief interruption when someone decided to run on the pitch and was soon marched off by the stewards.
Mark Falco and Dennis Bailey were interviewed at half-time.
Steve Russell