Jim Magilton has been reacting today to the news that QPR will face Accrington Stanley at Loftus Road in the next round of the League Cup following a 5-0 win at Exeter where Hogan Ephraim scored the pick of the goals.

Ephraim’s strike in the final minute was the highlight of a thoroughly professional victory for the R’s – the former West Ham youngster cut in from his left wing position and curled a delightful shot over the keeper and into the far top corner. He told the club’s official website today: “It is nice to get off the mark early in the season. The lads all agree we need to get more goals from midfield this season and both myself and Wayne have opened our accounts after two matches so it bodes well.

“I was delighted with it. There was only one thing on my mind when I picked up the ball and that was to cut inside and get a shot away. It opened up really nicely for me and from the moment I struck it I knew it was heading into the top corner. It is certainly up there with the better goals I have scored during my career – but I cannot compare it to much.

“The gaffer really got stuck into us at the break on Tuesday. We knew we were not playing to the usual high tempo and he reiterated that in no uncertain terms. But to be fair to the lads we responded with a display full of quality and class in the second half. We will need to show that again at Plymouth for the whole 90 minutes on Saturday.”

Rangers now face Accrington Stanley for the first time since 1960 when the R’s won 5-1 at Loftus Road. In four meetings with Stanley, all in the old, old Third Division (now League One) between 1958 and 1960, Rangers have four victories to their credit and will be red hot favourites to continue that run when the League Two side comes to W12 on Tuesday, August 25.

Manager Jim Magilton told the club’s official website: “I'm happy we've got a home draw. It'll be nice to be at Loftus Road, especially when you take into account the travelling we've got in the early part of the season. This competition is one we want to progress in, but it won't be easy against a good Accrington side. I know John Coleman very, very well and he'll be looking to come here and cause an upset, that's for sure.”

It has been revealed today that Andy Marshall was offered a £2,000 a week contract at QPR to be the back up keeper to Radek Cerny before deciding to go with the lure of the Premiership, and £6,000 a week, with Aston Villa. The infamous “QPR insider” told the London Informer:“Marshall wants to better himself, and QPR aren't going to pay over the odds for a second-choice goal-keeper”

Another summer trialist who was not kept on at Loftus Road was Gregory Vignal and the 28 year old French left back today signed a one year contract with Premiership side Birmingham following a similar spell with the Blue.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game at Plymouth, new Argyle director Keith Todd has called on the Home Park faithful to help a team that many are tipping for relegation this season topple QPR. He told the Plymouth Herald: “Clearly, performances on the pitch are a major factor. I don't deny that. That is always going to be there. But it's also about encouraging people who come regularly to bring a friend. It's a very genuine request for people from Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall to reach out to the club. If you are 50-50, come along on Saturday. Give us the benefit of the doubt. Come and enjoy the atmosphere. QPR is always a great fixture, so it couldn't be any better from that sense.

“I say this as a fan myself, I think we sometimes underestimate the impact we have on the team. Last season, I probably watched most of my Argyle matches away from home. The away fans are very tight-knit and very vocal and, as a result of that, it creates a great atmosphere to which the players respond to. I'm not suggesting this was the only reason for the away results being better last season but I think there really was a relationship between those away fans who turned up and the players. The players felt really encouraged that people had put themselves out to travel so far. I'm hoping the fans will get behind the team on Saturday and give them every chance to succeed.”

Elsewhere in the Championship today Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson says he is eager for his side to get their first league win under their belts this weekend at home to Sheffield Wednesday – The Posh lost at Derby on day one but beat Wycombe 4-0 in the League Cup on Tuesday. Ferguson said: “We certainly don't want to be known as a good footballing team that gets beaten every week. I'm a big believer that if we get the performances, we'll get the results. I'm disappointed we didn't get anything a Derby, but with the Wycombe win it's a better start than last season.”

Photo: Action Images

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