From a truly forgettable encounter came a golden memory for Queens Park Rangers. Denied promotion by Norwich's late, late goal on Monday, they finally got the win they so keenly wanted here, one that sees them back in the Premier League for the first time since 1996 and also secures them the Championship title. Their performance was far from convincing but all that was forgotten the moment Adel Taarabt and then Tommy Smith scored late on to send those in blue and white into ecstasy.
But there remains a dark cloud for QPR. In two days time, the FA's hearing into the clubs purchase of the Argentinian midfielder Alejandro Faurl�n will begin and, if weekend reports are to believed, could result in a 15-point deduction for the newly crowned champions over a breach of third-party ownership, plunging them into the play-offs and a likely legal challenge. Uncertainty over QPR's future remains, then, but today their players, staff and fans could feel nothing but joy.
The visitors began brightly and could have taken the lead after only 23 seconds when Heidar Helguson found himself unmarked at the back post, but could only hit a side-footed shot from Tommy Smith's cross into the side-netting. The same player then forced Scott Loach into a save eight minutes later after reacting first to Matt Connolly's looping cross.
The visitors' dominance continued, with Watford playing with the lack of assurance of a team that has won only one of its past seven matches and, after Monday's 4-2 defeat at Leicester, can no longer make the play-offs. The hosts did, however, spring into life on 15 minutes when Lloyd Doyley, having collected an accurate through pass from Martin Taylor, surged past Bradley Orr and delivered a cross into the area which only lacked a finish.
There was now a desire from Watford to be more resolute, which saw all but one player shift into their own half whenever QPR had possession. In order to open up space, the league leaders' creative trio of Wayne Routledge, Smith and Taarabt began to roam and it was from the left wing that Taarabt was able to carve an a further opportunity for the hosts on 23 minutes, rolling a low cross into the centre of the area which was collected by Faurl�n but saw the Argentinian hit his resulting drive well over the bar. QPR were immediately forced into making another change, with Fitz Hall, who came into his game suffering with a hamstring strain, being replaced by Danny Shittu, making it three former Watford players in the QPR line-up, alongside Helguson and Smith.
Watford used the moment to attack again and from Troy Deeney's cross, Danny Graham headed wide of goal from an unmarked position. It was uncharacteristic wastefulness from a player who has scored 24 goals this season, a division high. That miss summed up a half in which both sides lacked genuine conviction. In fairness, they were not helped by a cut-up, uneven pitch. A moment of splendour did, however, arrive soon after the interval when Faurl�n hit a wicked, curling left-footed drive from the edge of the area that looked set to go in until Scott Loach sprang off his heels to make a fine save.
Watford then threatened, with Graham again coming close to scoring. The striker, though, was unable to properly connect with a flick-on from Don Cowie's left-sided corner. It was only right that the hosts should play with some confidence, given they beat QPR 3-1 at Loftus Road in December, the only time the league leaders have lost at home this season.
Stalemate looked the likely outcome of his repeat fixture until the 76th minute when Smith's left-wing cross was flicked beyond Loach by Taarabt. Jubilation filled the QPR supporters stood behind the goal, as well as Neil Warnock, the QPR manager on the touchline. This was undoubtedly the moment promotion and the title was secured and how apt that it should be delivered by the team's outstanding performer of the season. Into stoppage time, Smith then doubled the visitors lead with another close-range shot.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/30/watford-qpr-championship
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