Peterborough United’s Carabao Cup campaign was over after just six minutes of their first round tie with Championship side Queens Park Rangers, as Steve McClaren’s side ran out 2-0 winners on Tuesday night.
Queens Park Rangers made six changes for the Carabao Cup tie, after their 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United at the weekend: Lumley; Kakay, Leistner (C), Baptiste, BIdwell; Cousins, Scowen; Wszolek, Freeman, Osayi-Samuel; Washington.
Posh made three changes to the lineup that beat Rochdale 1-1: Chapman; Naismith, Tafazolli, Bennett, Denton; Ward, O’Hara, Woodyard (C), Dembele; Cooke; Toney.
QPR got off to the best start possible, as Conor Washington’s low cross was only parried as far as playmaker Luke Freeman, who shot home from eight yards after just over two minutes.
It went from bad to worse for Steve Evans’ side as former Posh striker Washington was involved once again. The Northern Irishman played through Pawel Wszolek, who rolled the ball under the advancing Chapman to put The Hoops 2-0 up with just six minutes on the clock.
Posh’s electric start the the season left the travelling fans optimistic that they would see a second cup upset of 2017, but QPR came flying like greyhounds out of the traps
Rangers looked to further capitalise on Posh’s sloppy first half. Midfielder Josh Scowen burst through with no pressure from Peterborough United’s defenders, before firing just wide from outside the box.
Steve Evans’ side only had three first half shots, two of which were optimistic efforts from outside the box, both ending up wide of the target, Ivan Toney – making his first start for Posh – sent an acrobatic effort the wrong side of the post. Their efforts were met with sarcastic “we’ve had a shot” chants from the away end.
Posh seemed to finally wake up as the whistle for the second half blew. Striker Jason Cummings came on for attacking midfielder Callum Cooke, providing some more energy and attacking intent. The 706 travelling fans became increasingly vocal in the second half, as the League One side finally woke up.
QPR were forced into some desperate defending as Posh won a series of corners, Siriki Dembele’s effort was deflected out for another corner, and a goalmouth scramble ensued. The ball fell to Dembele, who connected well with a volley, but the ball whistled past the post.
Set pieces continued to provide chances for Posh, as Ryan Tafazolli and Ivan Toney had headed efforts denied comfortably by QPR.
Striker Matty Godden came on for Ivan Toney with fifteen minutes left, and nearly provided a goal for Posh as they looked to stage a late fightback. The 27-year-old swung in a beautiful cross for Cummings, who failed to make a solid connection with the ball with just Lumley to beat.
The Hoops were reduced to chances from set pieces and long range throughout the second half. Scowen sent a long shot over the bar and a free-kick just wide of the post, as did substitute Ebere Eze.
Queens Park Rangers weathered the Posh storm and saw the last few minutes out with ease, securing their place in the Carabao Cup second round. Manager Steve McClaren will be pleased with a confidence boosting victory after a slow start to the season. Steve Evans will be disappointed with his side’s first half performance, and will be desperate to improve before their tie with Luton Town this Saturday.
