Queens Park Rangers has climbed to fifth in the provisional Championship table after registering a 2-1 win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate at the weekend as Leon Balogun was named in the starting lineup of the Hoops for the third consecutive game after ‘feigning injury’.
There was a little bit of controversy when he pulled out of the Nigeria squad for their games against Algeria in September and the official word from the Nigeria Football Federation was that the central defender was nursing an injury.
Queens Park Rangers took the lead in the nineteenth minute as Stefan Johansen was quickest to react to the rebound after Bentley tipped Willock’s shot on to the post.
Tyler Roberts finished at the far post to double the advantage three minutes later before Nahki Wells pulled one back for the hosts just past the hour mark after Rangers failed to clear.
In their player ratings after the game, West London Sport awarded Balogun a seven, noting that he was solid in defence but partly at fault for the goal conceded by Queens Park Rangers.
Ian McCullough wrote:”Was a very solid presence in the back four. Dominant in the air and made a covering tackle of the highest class in the first half to dispossess Andi Weimann.
“However, he and Dieng should have done better to deal with the cross for Wells’ goal, with the former QPR striker’s shot coming off the Nigerian centre-back.”
Balogun joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer in August following his release by Glasgow Rangers, teaming up with head coach Mick Beale, with whom he worked with at the Light Blues.
