Player Ratings: QPR 1-1 Plymouth Argyle
Tom Harris takes a look back at Argyle's latest visit to Loftus Road, a game that was not a win but certainly felt like one.
Argyle battled hard to earn 1-1 draw on the road at QPR despite finishing the match with nine men.
Michael Frey’s near post header had the hosts in front before Morgan Whittaker levelled proceedings with a 30 yard belter two minutes shy of the half hour mark.
Argyle’s jubilation lasted merely a minute though as Adam Forshaw saw a second yellow card for a rash tackle.
But the Pilgrims saw out the remaining 60 minutes and extra time to claim a point despite losing Freddie Issaka to a straight red card in stoppage time.
Here are today’s player ratings:
Conor Hazard, GK - 9 (Argyle Life POTM) : He’s given Rooney a headache on who takes the spot in the starting 11! A top performance from the keeper with several fantastic stops. Terrific distribution at times combined with game management. His best game for Argyle.
Joe Edwards, RB - 7 : Had his hands full but as ever defended with passion, energy and execution. His leadership is massive for Argyle at the moment. Slight lapse in the opening goal as he lost Frey at the front post.
Lewis Gibson, RCB 7 : Another sturdy display from Gibson who had a difficult task with Frey for much of the game.
Brendan Galloway, LCB/LB 7 -: Subbed off in the latter stages with what we hope is just a precaution. Once again proved he’s more than capable at this level with some accurate passing and last-ditch defending at centre back as well as left back.
Bali Mumba, LB - 6 : A lot of defending for Mumba to do who stuck to his task throughout. Substituted for Szucs as Galloway moved to left back.
Adam Forshaw, CM - 3 : Thoughtless, reckless and so nearly very costly with his sliding tackle while on a yellow card. Offers an opportunity for Houghton to start next game.
Adam Randell, CM - 6 : Always full of running, he showed his defensive qualities picking up second balls and operating the midfield for large parts of the game. Picked up a yellow for venting his frustrations at not receiving a free-kick as QPR heaped on the pressure, which was frustrating.
Morgan Whittaker, ARM - 7 : An absolutely terrific strike for his first goal of the season. No one saw his 30 yard strike coming. It could have been the perfect start of things to come but for Forshaw’s reckless foul less than 60 seconds later.
Darko Gyabi, ACM/CM - 6 : Started in the 10 role and looked promising. Dropped into centre midfield when Forshaw was sent off and was later subbed for Houghton. Booked for a yellow card for an off the ball shoulder in the first 45.
Ibrahim Cissoko, ALM - 6 : Tricky game for the winger who showed promise as ever with his tricks. That final ball is lacking at times for the winger he will hope to improve on as the season goes on.
Ryan Hardie, ST - 6 : Was always going to be tricky for the striker after the sending off. Nevertheless his energy troubled the QPR defence. Subbed for Obafemi after the break.
Subs
Michael Obafemi, ST - 6 : Looked lively with his pressing continuing where Hardie left off after he was subbed on with 62 minutes played. Had one half chance which was easily saved by the home keeper.
Jordan Houghton, CM - 6 : Kept things going in the midfield as Argyle saw out the game. Getting more minutes after missing the start of the game through injury.
Freddie Issaka, LM 4 : Such a shame for the youngster who as we all know is so full of running. Committed as ever, but far too eager diving in for that 50/50, looked soft at first but on reflection a clear red card.
Kornel Szucs, RCB 6 : A league debut for the Hungarian who could’ve won Argyle a penalty when he was tugged back by Jake Clarke-Salter in the box.
Nathaniel Ogbeta, LB - N/A: A late substitute for the injured Galloway.