Queens Park Rangers - Home, Falmer Years:
C'ship 13/14 15/16-16/17, seasons 3 5-6 .
17/18 onwards, season7 - no Prem meetings.
ground: Loftus Road 18.4k . nickname: Rs . shirt: blue & white hoops.
Prem/EFL record from 11/12: 17, 20 P, 4 C, 20 P, 12 18 / 16 19 13 9 11 20 18 C @ 4/5/24.
C'ship: p-os - '14 . Prem: relegated - '13 '15.
Season7 (1st) (H) onwards - not Premier League.
Albion v Rangers (H) from 11/12 @ C: - - 2-0 - 4-0 3-0 . . W = 3 D = 0 L = 0
For Away Falmer Years results and reports scroll further below.
memorable match: Season5 (H) - a goal romp in heady C'ship days of yore.
Season6 (H) Championship 27/12/16 - 3-0 ~ Baldock, Murray, Knockaert.
It was the day after Boxing Day and Brighton fans turned up for a lunchtime k-o in new jumpers, scarves & hats for this post Xmas festive fixture. There was also a lot to celebrate too at the halfway stage of another successful campaign to date. Albion were chasing Newcastle for the title and had opened an 8pt gap above Reading in 3rd and 11pt to Sheff Wed in 6th. Stats showed we were already ahead of schedule compared to last term, when suffering a blip in undefeated form during that Xmas & New Year busy period. Chris Hughton had strength in depth from a squad that was enhanced in summer. Only loanee Wilson wasn't now on the books from the team that beat Rangers here in April, before going on to miss auto-promo on goal difference.
*** match report: Albion went top of the heap after a comprehensive victory, versus ten men for much of the second half. Baldock opened the scoring with a fine strike from 20 yards after Seagulls countered quickly (11min). In the second period Murray converted a penalty following Stephens being tripped in the area (53min). Soon afterwards Rangers had a man dismissed for pulling Baldock up when he was clean thru (56min). Hughton took this occasion to sub March on starting debut and Murray as well, either side of the third goal, by Knockaert with a low drive (69min). Later Baldock came off as BHA cruised to a table-topping win. Hughton said, 'we have earned the right to be top. It is up to the other teams to chase us. We played well in the second half.' Rangers did have a good first 45mins but on turnaround were on a hiding to nothing with ten men. Brighton fans were delighted and it all seemed like 2016 was a pretty good year for more than one no.1 reason at the Amex.
Stats; h-t 1-0, goals 11, 53, 69, poss 57%-43%, on target 10-3, off target 11-4, corners 13-6, o/s 3-0, fouls 15-12, yellows 0-1, red 0-1, subs 3-3 . att 30,176.
Stockdale, Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bruno, Knockaert, Norwood, Stephens, March (Murphy), Baldock (Skalak), Murray (Hemed).
Champ's P23 . W15 D6 L2 . F38 A14 . Pt51 Po1 . W = 65.2% L = 8.69%
Season5 (H) 19/4/16 - 4-0 - Knockaert 2, Skalak, Goldson.
The good news was that Albion were chasing an auto-promo spot. The bad news was that the run-in was getting tougher with each game left to go. The previous Saturday, Seagulls disposed of Fulham 5-0 at the Amex, to set the scene for a climax of Prem proportions. Chris Hughton had his best squad fit and ready to go, could pick the usual rearguard and tinker with attacking options depending on opposition strengths etc. And his leading striker had gotten a hat-trick against that last London outfit, so was raring to go again versus Hoops defence. It all seemed like a dream to Brighton fans, who were experiencing their best season since beginning in the Championship at the brand new Amex in 2011.
*** match report: Goals went in at 45+, 51, 73 & 84 mins to seal another fantastic victory for BHA. On the stroke of half time Knockaert opened the scoring from a superb free kick to settle home supporters nerves prior to pie & a pint. Not long after turn around Skalak fired in from long distance and Albion were in the driving seat. Baldock had replaced Wilson up front for the second period but it was Goldson who made the game safe, shortly after Murphy arrived in lieu of Skalak. Delivery from flanks and quality of crosses had been a vital part of Seagulls tactics but now winger Knockaert completed the rout from a second fine finish. Hughton was happy and said, 'I hope it goes to the last game because it will mean we have won our next two matches. No one knows what is going to happen' That was true enough but if Lady Luck and Gods of Footy were in good moods as the fat lady stepped up to sing, then anything was possible...
Stats; poss 53%-47%, on target 6-2, off target 7-11, corners 4-3, fouls, 11-13, yellows 1-3.
Stockdale, Bruno, Goldson, Dunk, Rosenior, Knockaert, Stephens, Kayal, Skalak (Murphy), Hemed (Sidwell), Wilson (Baldock).
Champ's P43 . W23 D15 L5 . F67 A39 . Pt84 Po3 . W = 53.4% L = 11.6%
Season4 (H) - not C'ship.
Season3 (H) 11/3/14 - 2-0 ~ Ulloa, Ward.
Rangers had come down from the Prem last season and were making an effort to return on the bounce. However our record over the noughties was not too bad against them, whatever the difference in status. During September Albion took 1800 to Loftus road in a crowd of 18k and back at the Amex, R's had similar numbers in a 28k gate on a chilly Tuesday night. But weather was settled now following weeks of rain thru a very inclement winter. The pitch was perfect and early spring growth allowed for a high tempo match on a beautiful playing surface. Both teams expected to attack, with visitors very fast on the counter. Oscar Garcia put out his best eleleven, bar Greer who was suspended.
*** match report: It remained goalless at halftime and was kinda an exciting stalemate, although not too much goalmouth incident ensued. As always in Championship contests, the first goal was gonna be crucial and R's were guilty of not taking chances. Time ticked away and eventually Garcia put on LuaLua for impact with fifteen minutes left. Two minutes later Ulloa converted Bruno's driven centre and the very patient crowd erupted at last (77min). Like London buses in Shepherd's Bush, two came close together for a right larf. Ward smashed home a pacy corner by yes, LuaLua (86min). All in all a good evening for locals as the rush for P&R transport by visitors began in earnest. The victory helped BHA stay in touch with p-o places just before the three quarters stage was reached. There was still all to play for and fans could dream like last term.
Kuszczak, Bruno, Dunk, Upson, Ward, Ince, Andrews, Forster-Caskey (LuaLua), Buckley (Stephens), Ulloa, Lingard.
Champ's P34 . W14 D11 L9 . F37 A28 . Pt53 Po7 . W = 41.1% L = 26.4%
Seasons 1-2 (H) - not C'ship.
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Withdean Era: 12 seasons from 1999 to 2011 -
Seasons 3 01/2, 5 03/4 - League One .
Seasons 6 04/5, 7 05/6 - Championship.
Season5 7/12/03 (A) - League Trophy R3.
Withdean era: Albion V Rs 2-1, 2-1, 2-3, 1-0 . . . W = 3 D = 0 L = 1
memorable match: Season3 (H) - that old Zamora, Watson double act at the theatre of trees.
see: Seasons 3, 5, 6, 7 for club & stadium info. Also Bobby Zamora, Paul Watson, Leon Knight, Adam Hinshelwood, Darren Currie & Guy Butters.
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Queens Park Rangers - Away, Falmer Years:
C'ship 13/14 15/16-16/17, seasons 3 5-6 .
17/18 onwards, season7 - no Prem meetings .
Season7 (1st) (A) onwards - not Premier League.
Rangers v Albion (A) from 11/12 @ C: - - 0-0 - 2-2 1-2 . . W = 1 D = 2 L = 0
For Home Falmer Years results & reports scroll further up.
memorable match: Season6 (A) - celebration at Loftus Road during the C'ship run-in to promo.
Season6 (A) Championship 7/4/17 - w 1-2 ~ Murray, Pocognoli.
It was the Friday evening of the first week in April but BHA had played two games already, with five more to go this month! The run-in was well & truly under way and Albion had been chasing their Prem dream again this term. Chris Hughton boosted the 2015 squad with quality players in both 2016 transfer windows and those signings were regularly part of a team capable of another campaign promotion push. Seagulls away form was w9 d5 l5 f23 a22 so there was still room for improvement. Recent results on the road in 2017 from March back to Jan were lwl wdl lw, making it important to stay unbeaten until promotion was achieved.
*** match report: Albion got their first win at Loftus Road since prior to the Withdean era and went top of the table to boot. Following a forgettable first half, where Seagulls were being hit with long balls, Hughton was forced to replace Dunk due to illness. Visitors then opened scoring when Murray went 1on1 after a long run down the middle (58min). About five mins later he was fouled and Pocognoli fired a f-k into the top corner (64min). Rangers got one back with a header at a corner but BHA hung on despite continual defending (74min). Hughton put on Norwood & Murphy to bolster the side in the last 15 minutes or so. 3000 travelling support witnessed the 10th victory on the road and another match where their heroes did what was necessary to take all three points against useful opposition. Other results went Albion's way and away fans went home very happy indeed for a pleasant weekend dreaming about likely promotion.
Stats; h-t 0-0, goals 74-58,64, poss 56%-44%, on target 5-3, off target 12-8, corners 5-8, o/s 8-2, fouls 11-13, yellows 0-1, subs 3-3 . att 16,503.
Stockdale, Bruno, Huenemeier, Dunk (Tomori), Pocognoli, Knockaert (Norwood), Stephens, Sidwell, March, Hemed (Murphy), Murray.
Champ's P41 . W26 D8 L7 . F69 A35 . Pt86 Po1 . W = 63.4% L = 17%
Season5 (A) 15/12/15 - 2-2 ~ Stephens, La Parra.
Older Brighton fans could remember several matches against Hoops from days of yore at levels 2&3, so it seemed almost a surprise this was merely the second time back there since BHA moved to the Amex in 2011. Gus Poyet had been boss when Albion cut their community stadium teeth in this division and did ok too in 3 seasons - see below. Rangers had gone up to the Prem and back again but had always been the big boys. Now perhaps it was Albion's turn under Chris Hughton to show who was capable of making a bid for the elite next term. Of the side who turned out here in '13, Calderon, Greer, Bruno, Crofts, JFC and Ince were still around, plus LuaLua, Dunk & March and Seagulls now also had Zamora, Hemed, Stephens, Kayal and keeper Stockdale available for regular selection. These guys had just gotten a record too from QPR - for the longest unbeaten run in the Championship. On the night it rained but 2k travelling support turned up to see if the sequence could be extended.
*** match report: Albion remained undefeated but slipped to 2nd in the table when Rangers scored a late equaliser. The first half was goalless, although not without chances to score from both teams. Early into the second period Seagulls netted twice in quick succession. Stephens was successful with an overhead kick on the 6yard line and then La Parra via a 35yard punt that went all the way into the bottom corner (53 & 55 min). But visitors lost the plot when Hoops refused to roll over and they got one back as the defence kinda stood still (65min). Dunk was booked a little later and then again five minutes from the ninety, when he went off for an early bath. In between, Hughton went to 451 with two rapid change of personnel but travellers were on the back foot anyway. Following the red card, reserve c-d Huenemeier got on in lieu of Murphy. Rangers snatched a draw prior to 7min of stoppage as again BHA rearguard were found wanting a second time (88min). Hughton said, 'no doubt with the power QPR have got you want all your regular players on the pitch. But they were always going to put us under pressure in that last bit and in the end we showed enough character not to lose.' It was a typical diplomatic reaction from Chris but many Brighton fans felt the team had thrown 2pts away and this wasn't the first time on the road. Promoted sides tended to win approx a dozen games on travels and on that stat alone Albion we not exactly setting records at this stage.
Stats; poss 51%-49%, on target 6-6, off target 15-8, corners 10-7, o/s 0-2, fouls 10-9, yellow 3-2, red 0-1
Stockdale, Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Calderon, La Parra, Stephens, Kayal, Murphy (Huenemeier), Wilson (Zamora), Hemed (Crofts).
Champ's P21 . W11 D10 L0 . F31 A20 . Pt43 Po2 . W = 52.3% L = 0%
Season4 (A) - not C'ship.
Season3 (A) 17/9/13 - 0-0.
This tough contest versus the west London ex-Prem outfit was a midweek fixture and came immediately after another one away, on Sunday in front of tv cameras at Reading - that game remained goalless. Brighton had lost both opening matches H&A at beginning of August but picked up points thereafter and were now on an unbeaten run. We'd previously gotten a win at Birmingham, although mostly due to keeping a clean sheet there. Scoring goals was a bit of a problem coz to date, only Ulloa and Crofts were registered on official lists. The defence was preventing opposition from netting and midfield had the look of combining industry and creativity. Up front there was a striker crisis coz Ulloa got sent off at Reading and so missed three games for a straight red (high sticks). Barnes came back into the targetman role and a new loan-signing Craig Conway (Cardiff) made his debut on the left flank in lieu of LuaLua. Bolton loanee Keith Andrew was in the injured Bridcutt's holding position, where he was extremely experienced. Steven Ward another old pro who now took the left-back slot, vacated when Bridge did a runner after last season ended. On the night about 1800 travelling fans squeezed into Loftus Road in a crowd of around merely 17k.
*** match report: The match itself finished nil-nil but was not without incident. Albion set up in 451 formation against Harry Redknapp's table toppers. Rangers had spent some dosh in the close season and had quality throughout their side. But Brighton held out all evening, especially during spells when home advantage was telling. However it was not all one way traffic and most of the play was between boxes, rather than inside the respective areas. Pace of this level-two contest was fast and furious, with both sides prepared to counter quickly when regaining possession. Into the last half hour Albion soaked up Hoops and broke back from deep midfield via Andrews, Crofts and youngster Forster-Caskey. Then Oscar Garcia decided to make a change. He introduced Buckley to keep the R's wingback occupied and relieve pressure from crosses off flanks. Into the last ten minutes while Seagulls scrapped for a point, Ward got injured and fit-again Bruno got a few minutes to test his match fitness. Ince bolstered our battling unit at the death, helping to prevent any late disaster on the road. Assistant coach Nathan Jones said, 'it was an excellent performance, a real proper away one. We did our jobs, we did the real ugly stuff really well.'
Kuszczak, Calderon, Greer, Upson, Ward (Bruno), David (Buckley), Crofts, Andrews, Forster-Caskey (Ince), Conway, Barnes.
Champ's P7 . W2 D3 L2 . F6 A5 . Pt9 Po13 . W = 28.5% L = 28.5%
Seasons 1-2 (A) - not C'ship.
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Withdean Era: 12 seasons from 1999 to 2011 -
Seasons 3 01/2, 5 03/4 - League One .
Seasons 6 04/5, 7 05/6 - Championship.
Season5 7/12/03 (A) - League Trophy R3.
Withdean era: Rs V Albion 0-0, 2-1, 0-0, 1-1 . . . W = 0 D = 3 L = 1
2-1 EFL Trophy.
memorable match: Season6 (A) - bit of a struggle on & off the pitch in the C'ship and news of that Pacific tsunami.
Noughties last there - 18/3/06 (A) C'ship.
We got a second point at Loftus Road but that final level2 campaign went down the tube anyway.
7/12/03 (A) EFL Trophy R3.
Knockout action up the West End, well some fun & games near Shepherds Bush perhaps.
see: Seasons 3, 5, 6, 7 for club & stadium info. Also Peter Taylor & Mark McGhee.
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