Queens Park Rangers versus Norwich City was a game where one record was certain to go.

QPR had not conceded a goal at Loftus Road all season, while Norwich City has scored in every game on the road since March.

Neil Warnock named an unchanged side from that which beat Crystal Palace two weeks ago, while Adam Drury was recalled after picking up a hamstring injury during the warm-up at Ashton Gate.

Straight away QPR applied the pressure and Norwich City’s defensive set up had to work hard to keep the score line level.

Gradually the nerves settled and the skill levels evened out. Norwich were getting more of the ball, although QPR threatened on the breaks.

QPR saw Buzsaky go off injured after 26 minutes, to be replaced by Mikele Liegertwood, who always has a good game against Norwich, ever since his days at Wimbledon.

A minute later, Grant Holt tried to get onto the end of a Hoolahan cross but was wrestled to the ground by Clint Hill, who was booked for his efforts.

The resulting penalty kick was put wide by Wes Hoolahan who scuffed his shot. In fairness, Hoolahan always goes to the ‘keeper’s left, and Paddy Kenny had gone that way. As Hoolahan never took a run up, Kenny could well have denied Hoolahan anyway.

The first half ended with honours even, neither side having the upper hand.

The start of the second half was the herald for 45 minutes that was a mix of play where neither side wished to give anything away.

Possession was fifty-fifty as were the chances. Even the missed chances, usually punctuated by errors, were divided equally.

Unfortunately, Adam Drury was replaced by Stephen Smith, possibly after a knock had aggravated the previous knock.

Neither side wanted to lose this match, and that might have put the players under pressure. Norwich maybe should have won the game, with Hoolahan’s missed penalty, but they never lost against the league leaders, 6 points clear of the following pack.

QPR had a unique record to defend, and they did well to deny Norwich the chances to take that honour away from Loftus Road.

Neil Warnock is a master at mind games, and he must have shocked many a Norwich City supporter when he sang their praises earlier in the week.

Paul Lambert clearly matched the master of psyche and he had the players out there playing their normal game. Warnock is right, with Lambert weaving his magic, City will be in the mix come May.

For the league result, honours were even. For where Norwich City has come from over the past couple of years, the honours will go to Carrow Road.

Photo: Action Images

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