Akos Buzsaky insists under-pressure manager Iain Dowie is taking QPR in the right direction, writes David McIntyre.

Dowie's side secured a much-needed 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday - their first win in five league matches.

Buzsaky was instrumental, producing a fine display and scoring for the first time since his return from an ankle injury.

After youngster Angelo Balanta put Rangers ahead, Buzsaky increased the lead with a 20-yard volley and they held on after Lewis McGugan pulled a goal back for Forest.

It eased the growing sense of tension around Loftus Road and helped Dowie placate the club's demanding owners following a disappointing recent run.

And Buzsaky believes Dowie should be allowed to continue.

"Iain Dowie is doing a great job. He manages players very well," said the Hungarian.

"I think we have made a step forward from last season, but other teams are now prepared against us. Last season we were bottom of the league, and other teams didn't think we were very good, now they know we are one of the division's best sides.

"In the last few games, apart from Birmingham, teams have defended against us for

80-85 minutes. Most teams have one good striker, and scored through one good strike. That happens. Now it's important we start playing well again."

Dowie has also been defended by his assistant Tim Flowers, who bemoaned the attitude of the home fans after Saturday's game.

Flowers said: "When quality players here miss passes by the smallest distance, there's anxiety all round the place.

"I can't understand that anxiety. We're sixth in the table and in the last 16 of the Carling Cup, which I believe is this club's best run in the competition for a long time."

"It was important after the run of games we've had that we got our noses in front, which we did. Their goal rocked us back a bit but it was a good result and a good three points. The first goal was vital and, fortunately, we got it."

Match Summary QPR (0) 2 NOTTM FOREST (0) 1 Line-up: Cerny; Ramage, Hall (Connolly 65), Stewart, Delaney; Buzsaky (Mahon 90), Rowlands, Cook; Balanta (Di Carmine 76), Blackstock. Subs not used: Camp, Ledesma. Attendance: 15,122 GOALS: Balanta (48), Buzsaky (60).

MoM: Akos Buzsaky 

Next Up

READING

Madejski Stadium Saturday 5.20pm Championship

Manager: Steve Coppell Position last season: 18th PL Form Guide: A 2-1 victory over Doncaster in midweek made it six home wins out of six in the league and they go into the match third in the table - two points behind second-placed Wolves and four behind leaders Birmingham City. The Royals have not found it so easy on the road and a 2-1 loss at Preston on Saturday was their third in six games, while they have just one away win.

Players to look out for: Former Bees winger Stephen Hunt is still the all-action player who often makes Coppell's team tick. Fiery and dangerous on his day. 

Most recent meetings: Reading 2-1 QPR (30 Apr 2006); QPR 1-2 Reading (5 Nov 2005) - Championship.

Head-to-head record: RFC Wins: 35 QPR Wins: 24 Draws: 15 [25a0] Match Facts: Rangers have been beaten on their last three visits to Reading and have not beaten the Royals in seven meetings. They were 2-1 winners in 1997 - their only away success since the 1963-4 season.

Forecast: Looks tough for the Rs, who may end up empty-handed at Reading yet again. 

Gazetteforecast success rate: 9 correct out of 15 (60%)

In Midweek

BIRMINGHAM C

Loftus Road Tuesday 8pm Championship

Manager: Alex McLeish Position last season: 19th PL Form Guide: Already looking a good bet for a quick return to the premier League,Brum's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday - thanks to a 90th minute winner - made it just one defeat in 12 games this season and took them back above Wolves to the top of the table.

Players to look out for: Birmingham have several danger men. If Cameron Jerome,James McFadden and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie are not firing, there is always Kevin Phillips - who netted the winner when the teams met earlier this month.

Most recent meetings: Birmingham 1-0 QPR (4 Oct 2008); Birmingham C 2-1 QPR (13 Mar 2007); QPR 0-2 Birmingham C (17 Oct 2007); - Championship. Head-to-head record: BC Wins: 21 QPR Wins: 14 Draws: 13

Match Facts: A quick chance for Rangers to gain revenge for the recent 1-0 defeat at St Andrews. But recent history is not in their favour. City have not lost in their past six visits, winning two of them. The Rs have not won any of the last 13 clashes and the last success was a 3-1 home win 23 years ago.

Forecast: A draw looks a good bet but Brum are brimming with confidence. We go for a win (2-1?) for the visitors.