From: seanb@cs.man.ac.uk (Sean Bechhofer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: QPR v. Man City
Date: 26 Jan 93 18:14:34 GMT


	QPR 1		MANCHESTER CITY 2
	Holloway 90	White 72
			Vonk 75

City: Coton, Ranson, Phelan, McMahon, Vonk, Simpson, White, Sheron, Quinn,
Flitcroft, Holden

QPR: Roberts, Bardsley, Brevett, Barker, Maddix, McDonald, Wilson,
Holloway, Ferdinand, Allen, Sinton (Bailey 75)

City progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a spirited
perfromance against QPR at Loftus Road. The London club had been undefeated
at home in thirteen years of Cup football, but were sunk by a five minute
spell when City ran rampant.

At first signs, it looked like this was going to very tough for the Blues.
Problems with injuries had left three of the recent regular back four out
of the side. The extension of Ray Ranson's loan until the end of the season
eased matters, as Newcastle allowed hjim to play, but the centre back
partnership consisted of Michel Vonk, back after an ankle operation, and
Garry Flitcroft, playing his first first-team game in the position. He had
already shown his adaptability slotting in at right back in an earlier
game, but with Ferdinand fit thanks to the use of an oxygen machine, he was
set for a difficult afternoon. QPR also had problems, with Wilkins and
Penrice both missing.

In the first period, Rangers had a host of chances. Ferdinand had a
glorious chance where he only needed to touch an Allen cross to put it in
from two yards out, but his sliding stretch failed to reach the ball. City
also placed Coton under pressure needlessly with some dodgy back passes.
City's best chance came from Ranson, who hit a screamer from outside the
box, clipping the post. All square at the break. 

City livened up for the second half, and began to knock the ball around a
little better. Things really started to move when Sheron picked the ball
up, turned and hit a lob over the keeper which came off the top of the bar.
After 72 minutes, the break finally came, with a combination of route one
and neat passing. A Coton kick was controlled by Quinn, who laid it off to
Sheron. Sheron spotted White outside him, and passed the ball out for the
winger to smash a tremendous shot past Roberts. City kept up the pressure
and three minutes later, went two ahead. A corner was flicked on by Quinn,
and in the ensuing melee, Vonk poked the ball home. 

Rangers fought back, and created a couple of chances towards the end. In
one incredible incident, Ranson seemed to dummy a cross coming in, rather
than risk a back pass to the keeper. Ferdinand, lurking behind him, was
taken in and the ball rolled harmlessly past. Either a very brave or a very
stupid piece of defending! It was the usual fun and games as QPR pulled one
back in injury time through Holloway, but City held on to win a well
deserved place in the last sixteen.

Once again Garry Flitcroft was excellent. Despite playing in an unfamiliar
position, he was solid and produced some great saving tackles. He certainly
looks like a great prospect. How long before he's sold, we ask :-(. 

City will meet Barnsley at Maine road in the next round, Mel Machin
returning to the club who sacked him for "not having a rapport with the
supporters" (he didn't smile enough evidentally !?!). A home tie could be a
mixed blessing given the Blues form in Manchester recently, but hopefully
that will change. City play at Oldham tonight aiming to field an unchanged
side, although Coton may be out with 'flu. Saturday sees Blackburn visit
Maine Road, with again the Blues out for revenge after a 1-0 loss at Ewood
earlier in the season.

Cheers,

	Sean B