Birmingham City 0-2 QPR

Written by: Oliver Osborn (The Bluenose Bible)

Ravel Morrison came back to haunt his former club as QPR cruised to a 2-0 victory against Birmingham City.

A goal either side of half time for the attacking midfielder sealed the victory, meaning Lee Clark’s side slumped to a club record 12 home league games without a win.

The home side started with three in defence, a tactic they haven’t used since October, but showed no fear in the early stages, getting into the opposition’s faces and giving them little time on the ball.

In the sixth minute, a large protest banner was unveiled in the Kop with the words “All we care about is BCFC” and pictures of former greats at the club; a strong message to those who needed to know.

But before the protest had ended, Morrison gave the Hoops a 15th minute lead with a  superb free kick.

Following some clumsy defending in the Blues’ backline, Kevin Doyle won a free kick 25 yards from goal and Morrison didn’t disappoint the traveling supporters.

The effort flew over the wall a straight past Darren Randolph in the Birmingham goal, who could only get a hand onto the swerving ball.

Harry Redknapp’s side began to take control and looked comfortable with the lead despite failing to win their last five games, but their only effort came from Armand Traore, who sliced wide unmarked at the back post.

Captain Clint Hill then hit the crossbar with a thumping header from Joey Barton’s corner.

Although the away side were dominating, Blues did create several chances of their own towards the end of the first half.

Emyr Huws’ free kick wasn’t dealt with and took a good save from Robert Green to deny to midfielder from scoring in bizarre fashion as well as Paul Caddis failing to find an unmarked Nikola Zigic in the box minutes later.

After the break, Blues started well and came out looking for an equaliser.

Jordan Ibe came close before Huws tested Green from long range with a low driven effort.

Lee Novak also won a couple of headers from set pieces, but couldn’t find the target with Blues desperate to level the scores.

With less than 20 minutes left, Morrison doubled his goal tally and QPR’s lead in a swift counter attack.

Jermaine Jenas broke down the left wing and passed to the former Manchester United youngster, who as relaxed as ever, fired a first time shot into the bottom corner to give the Hoops some breathing space.

Lee Clark’s men looked for a consolation towards the end, but their best chance from Tom Adeyemi was headed just wide from six yards out.

The applause from all four stands as Morrison was substituted just before the end tells you all you need to know about his performance and the fan’s thoughts on the talented midfielder.

With the majority of other results going against them, Birmingham now sit seven points clear of the bottom three, having played a game more.

Birmingham manager Lee Clark:

“We had spells just before and after half-time where we had great situations but didn’t make the most of them.

“And we paid the ultimate penalty, really, they have killed the game off.

“I would have liked to see us test their ‘keeper a bit more but certainly we had some good spells in the game.

QPR assistant manager Kevin Bond:

“We are delighted with the win on the back of a difficult time we have had recently.

“Keeping a clean sheet was pleasing and Morrison’s two goals was a terrific performance as he created all sorts of problems.

“No-one doubts his talents and what he can give to a team. It would appear that he has had other issues which have prevented from showing what he is capable of.”

Starting line up: Randolph; Spector, Packwood, Robinson; Caddis, Huws, Adeyemi, Ferguson (Blackett 73′); Burke, Zigic (Macheda 58′), Ibe (Novak 67′)

Subs not used: Doyle, Martin, Lee, Shinnie

Man of the match: Ravel Morrison