Joey Barton

Joey Barton was unable to help QPR avoid defeat against Derby last night at Pride Park. The R’s missed the opportunity to climb up into the automatic promotion places once again as they were beaten 1-0 by Steve McClaren’s men who are now just one point behind the West London club.

John Eustace’s header separated the two sides in a tight game involving the top six teams in the Championship.

The deadlock was broken on the 20th minute mark following Rob Green’s weak punch on the ball found the 34-year old who was able to steer the ball into the net for his first goal since February 2012.

Barton went close to equalising in the second half of the tie as he shot from just outside the box after cutting inside onto his left foot. However, his effort was kept out by an excellent save from Derby ‘keeper Lee Grant.

The former Marseille midfielder was a big threat to the hosts after the interval as heard in the live football commentary. He was able to break into their box after some fine work from the left with twenty minutes left on the clock.

The Englishman then chipped the ball into the air looking for Modibo Maiga. The on-loan West Ham striker would have been certain to score from close range if Craig Bryson hadn’t intercepted the ball with his head.

QPR and Barton are back in action on Sunday when they entertain Reading at Loftus Road. The Royals are in sixth place in the league standings, three points above the play-off slot. Rangers are Evs in the football betting with bet365.

Later in the month they are back on the road as they travel up to north London to take on Charlton, while the week after they are up to Yorkshire to face Sheffield Wednesday.