By Editor
January 25 2003

Two mistakes by Danny Murphy were punished as Rangers squandered the lead and a golden opportunity to boost their promotion hopes. Striker Simon Howarth scored deep into injury time to defeat a QPR side that took the lead through Steve Palmer's goal and then hit the self-destruct button.

Substitute Marvin Robinson's equaliser was a big enough blow for Rangers but worse followed when Haworth pounced at the death.

Rangers had the better of the first half, although Nick Culkin came to their rescue by saving from Stuart Barlow after the striker slipped in behind Clarke Carlisle.

Lee Cook shot wide twice in the opening 45 minutes, while Richard Pacquette volleyed over after fine work from Kevin Gallen allowed Terrell Forbes to cross from the right.

Nine minutes into the second half, Brett Angell came close to netting his first goal for the club. He was superbly picked out by Cook's left-wing cross but saw his far post header pushed away by goalkeeper John Achterberg.

But Achterberg was unable to save his side five minutes later. He kept out Gallen's shot but when the rebound broke to Palmer, the Rangers captain drove the ball home from the edge of the area.

Andy Thomson's introduction from the bench was greeted with a huge cheer but gloom descended when Murphy lost possession and Richard Hinds took full advantage by crossing for Robinson to score from close range.

Murphy was then caught out again with just seconds remaining. His hesitation allowed Robinson to set up Haworth, who beat Culkin with a cool finish.