In front of 16,977 crowd (highest gate this season) QPR came out determind and motivated to cause another cup upset after defeating Sheffield United 2-0 in the 2nd Round. Effort and application cannot be doubted as the R's ran around harrasing every touch and movement from a slick and skillfull City outfit that including Fowler, Anelka and returning former R's Trevor Sinclair and David Seaman. Sinclair was rewarded with a warm reception and Seaman a fairly mixed one which ended with "There's only one David Seaman" as the players went into half-time.
As the game started Rangers started well, playing the ball around although not having a proper attempt on target. Anelka had the best chance of the opening exchanges, Clarke Carlisle's shy headed back pass went straight to the former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker who's finish was smartly stopped by Rangers' keeper Chris Day.
City broke the deadlock controversially on 22 minutes. Kevin McLeod lay injured on left back position after a challenge from Sun Jihai and Joey Barton threaded a neat ball through to Sean Wright-Phillips who smashed home the ball past Day to give City the lead. Rangers' fans, officials and players complained in vain as McLeod was not off the field of lay-thus playing Wright-Phillips on-side.
Martin Rowlands had a vicous dipping shot from 25 yards flash past the the right hand post and Kevin Gallen a flashing low cross from the right hand touchline untouched as Rangers flew forward before half time.
The second half continued in the same vain for Rangers. Continued effort was unrewarded. Gareth Ainsworth with a 30 yard shot flying over. Richard Pacquette stood up well to the challenges off Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin at the centre of the City defence. He was replaced by Eric Sabin after 55 minutes.
City wrapped up the tie in two minutes. Goals from Wright-Phillips and sub Jon Macken condemnded Rangers to defeat as they flooded forward in the hope of a goal.
Wright-Phillips could have had a hat-trick on 88 minutes but his electric effort hit the stantion of crossbar and post while Gareth Ainsworth could have put his name on the scoreline for Rangers but Seaman stood up well to save after being put through on goal.
All in all an entertaining fixture. Rangers have still never won a cup-tie against City-in 5 attempts now and can concentrate on FA Cup and LDV matches forthcoming. Next up though is Stockport away on Saturday.