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[Steve Russell]

Stan Bowles’ Final League Goal for the R’s

On 1st December 1979, Stan scored what was to be his final goal for the R’s.

His outstanding goal in the 1-2 defeat at Cambridge United was later featured in ‘Match Weekly’:

‘Stan Bowles’ last goal in the colours of Queen’s Park Rangers was a brilliant solo effort…and
‘Match Weekly’ was there to record the event.

It was a goal that had Rangers fans in raptures…and one that even the opposing supporters had
to applaud.

The build-up began with a throw-in just inside the Cambridge half, which was taken by Rangers
defender Don Shanks.

Hoop-shirted hot shot Clive Allen picked up the throw and pushed the ball on to his striking partner
Bowles – master of the unpredictable.

Bowles ran diagonally across the park searching for space and shaking off Cambridge defender
Tommy O’Neill in the process with that famous dribbling action.

As the QPR danger man made for the edge of the box, two defenders closed in, but Bowles squeezed
the ball between them to lash a dipping right-footed shot into the top corner of the net from fully
20 yards.

Bowles may have moved on to Nottingham Forest, but he certainly left his London fans with something
to remember.

He told ‘Match Weekly’: “I think it was probably one of the best I have ever scored. I was going to play a
one-two with Clive Allen at one point, but the defenders behind him had seen that move so I checked, beat
a man and just hit it for the top corner.”

Forest fans will now be hoping that Bowles can repeat his magic in the red and white strip of the European
Champions.’

Stan was wearing the No.7 shirt that afternoon, with Paul Goddard wearing the coveted No.10 jersey.

Rangers took on Wrexham at Loftus Road the following week, and this was Stan’s final league game for
the R’s. Later that month Stan was transferred to Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £250,000.