Faurlin returns as Rangers ease through

QPR 3 Walsall 0

Alejandro Faurlin made his first-team return as QPR eased into the third round of the Capital One Cup with goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips, Bobby Zamora and Jose Bosingwa.

Wright-Phillips put Rangers ahead on 29 minutes by stabbing the ball past keeper David Grof from 10 yards out after being picked out by Zamora’s clever pass.

Zamora doubled the lead midway though the second half with a lovely chip after the striker had been put through by Kieron Dyer.

And Bosingwa, making his full debut for the R’s, added the third when he smashed in from close range after Grof had parried Faurlin’s shot.

Manager Mark Hughes had indicated that Faurlin, sidelined since suffering cruciate damage in January, would not be considered for the game.

But after assessing the midfielder, Hughes decided that Faurlin was fit enough to play.

He completed the entire 90 minutes, while Dyer came on as a second-half substitute for his first appearance since the injury-plagued former England man’s debut ended after only four minutes a year ago.

The opening goal came after Andrew Johnson missed a great chance for Rangers, heading wide of the far post after being found unmarked by Bosingwa’s right-wing cross.

Johnson was handed his first competitive start for the club, while Ryan Nelsen made his debut.

And Nelsen came close to giving Rangers an early lead when he headed Wright-Phillips’ corner narrowly wide.

Wright-Phillips shot wide from Fabio’s low cross and Grof saved with his legs to deny Johnson before the deadlock was eventually broken.

Rangers looked comfortable – until keeper Rob Green flapped at Florent Cuvelier’s low shot and the resulting corner was headed against the bar by Will Grigg.

But Zamora’s second goal in as many games settled any nerves before Bosingwa capped a comfortable victory for Hughes’ side.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook