QPR man of the match in the 1-0 win over Ipswich by the proverbial mile was keeper Alex Smithies.
In fact, it was a day to hand it to the glovemen.
A neutral might have made Town’s Bartosz Białkowski a close second as both number ones performed heroics at the Loftus Road School End in either half.
The Ipswich keeper made enemies of Junior Hoilett who was thrice thwarted by Białkowski in the first 45 minutes - one at very close range as the Rs winger got caught between instant hit and touch taken to control.
In the second period, Town’s Freddie Sears discovered what Hoilett had in the first when Smithies on his left hand post proved unbeatable from five yards three times in a row.
Rs held out to record their first home win under manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and behind Smithies in fans forums’ pecking order came Massimo Luongo - a clear second - more from the Rs midfielder on GetWestLondon later in the week - followed by right-back James Perch - and then equal third Hoilett, striker Sebastian Polter and match winner Matt Phillips.
Now by glancing again at the highlights, was Nasser El Khayati's final delivery for the killer goal a deliberate pass, or a mishit shot?
Comments below, please.
