Bristol City 2

QPR 0 (Feb 5)

RANGERS slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Ashton Gate in what was a frustrating game on Tuesday (Feb 5), writes Mike Hartwell.

Goals from Scott Murray and a dubious offside effort from Tony Thorpe gave the home side a deserved victory after an impressive performance of passing football.

For Rangers, they had plenty of effort and endeavour but it was an agonising night with some attractive passing to the edge of the penalty area, but then it broke down with the final ball lacking. On a positive note, Richard Langle played his first full 90 minutes and looked strong going into the closing stages and showed some good touches.

With Gavin Peacock missing the game through flu, Langley got his first start of the season with Danny Murphy coming into the side for the suspended Marcus Bignot.

Rangers made a bright start with Doudou at the centre of the action. He was wrongly caught offside just inside the City half and then saw a drive from 20 yards flash across the goal.

Immediately after, the R's were under pressure and Lee Peacock saw a drive smash against the legs of Steve Palmer. From the resulting throw in, Doudou tried to dribble a low cross out of his box, but he was robbed of the ball and Scott Murray curled home from the edge of the box.

Leroy Griffiths put in some fine work on the half hour, waiting patiently before delivering a cross for Kevin Gallen, but the striker's header drifted wide.

With two minutes of injury time remaining, City extended their lead with a goal that incensed the R's team. Brian Tinnion's floated ball picked out Thorpe who looked clearly offside as he slotted the ball home.

After the break, Kevin Gallen created a chance for Richard Pacquette and the young striker saw his drive drift wide of the post as the R's made a bright start to the game.

The game turned very scrappy in the later stages of the game with both sides being caught offside at regular occasions, but you always felt that City had the endeavour to go further ahead and they finished worthy winners.

Rangers could only manage a draw at Loftus Road on Saturday (Feb 2) against lowly Cambridge.