Being bottom of the league is an odd experience. Its not the first time I have seen QPR bottom of a division and probably won't be the last but seeing our side bottom made sure that the game against Forest had an extra edge. We just couldn't lose in my view as defeat would leave us in far to much trouble and with a big crowd expected we had to build on the draw at Blackburn.

Arriving at the ground I found myself strangely optimistic. I really believed we would win which helped the nerves before this game. Seeing the team line up brought me extra confidence. Baraclough and Darlington were back to give us some width and Michel Ngonge was making his debut in place of Kevin Lisbie.

We started the game kicking towards the loft and began very well. We were attacking Forest well playing some passing and some long ball and caused problems. Ngonge looked bright and his pace and strength caught Forest out as he looked to supply Crouch and Wardley but we didn't make to many clear cut chances.

Ian Baraclough was working hard on the left and it was from one of his corners that we almost opened the scoring. He crossed for Crouch to rise above Dave Beasant but Keith Foy headed off the line and onto the bar. The Q block was in good voice and the chant of "The Football League is upside down" was rather amusing and the support for Gerry Francis was louder than it has been for some time.

We should have gone in front through Clarke Carlisle during our impressive opening spell. Crouch's shot was blocked and Carlisle found himself in loads of space just eight yards out but shot straight at the keeper. Stuart Wardley was trying hard to impress and played a nice ball through for Crouch but he was denied a shot by some good defending. Wardley also hit a good shot wide after a nice move involving Langley and Darlington.

Forest also had their moments and most of them came through Marlon Harewood. On one occasion he left Chris Plummer for dead and his cross was just inches too far in front of Gary Jones, who just failed to connect with a diving header. Forest had a few long range efforts but we came back at Forest with Langley hitting a shot at Beasant before Jermaine started attacking his full back and caused some panic. One of his runs saw a nice cross find Wardley who mis-kicked but the ball fell to Crouch who poked the ball past Beasant.

The ball seemed to roll in slow motion past the keeper and over the line. The Rangers fans at last had something to cheer about but seeing the supporters around me hugging eachover brought the pessimism to the front of my mind and I was sure it would be disallowed for some bizarre rule but it wasn't and I could join in and start to believe we could win this game. "Don't concede now Rangers" was the cry from most supporters as we played out the rest of the half.

Another goal would have been nice but going into half time with the lead was very important. The second half was always going to be tense and it seemed crucial that we kept it tight early on in the second half. Forest came out flying and began to look a top six team and Jones had an overhead kick saved by Miklosko. But to our credit we did look good on the break with Ngonge and Baraclough getting forward and Langley showing some excellent skill in midfield.

Forest had the majority of possession but didn't create to many chances. On another day against our other wing back, Ben Olsen would have had a field day but Baraclough dealt with the winger very well and the chants of "Where's your Caravan" were taken in good humor by the American. We then had a goal disallowed which would have made the last 20 odd minutes a little easier to bear. Baraclough produced an excellent cross and Crouch headed in but it was ruled out for a foul. Although my view was not the best it seems you only have to fart near a goalkeeper to give away a foul so not many referees would have given that goal.

Forest kept some pressure up with several crosses from Olsen but Miklosko dealt with everything well and made a few saves from long range efforts. Michel Ngonge was replaced late on as he looked pretty tired. Koejoe came on and held the ball up for us on a few occasions. Stern John came on for Forest and almost scored within seconds but he threw his hand at the ball instead of his head and Miklosko claimed the ball well.

With just minutes to go Steve Morrow came on and even we couldn't cock this up. Three points in the bag. yeah that's what I was thinking and in no was I looking awayfrom the action with my heart in my mouth screaming for the final whistle. And my worst fears were almost realized when Forest could and should have equalised. Reid's cross fell to the unmarked Jones who somehow headed wide and the relief was unbelievable. I struggled to watch the final few seconds of the game and that final whistle brought so many emotions.

Our first win since September was enough but this was a lot more than ending a bad run this win and the performance has given us hope that we can turn the corner and get away from trouble.

Man of the Match: Ian Baraclough

1. Ludek Miklosko : A very good display by Ludo today. He had safe hands and his distribution was better. He seems to be growing in confidence after a shaky return to the team last month. 7/10

22. Jermaine Darlington : Didn't get forward as much as he can but when he did he gave us a new option and caused several problems. He is a player we have badly missed and it was good to see him back. 7/10

3. Ian Baraclough : A good display by Bara, he defended brilliantly, was brave and got forward whenever he could. His crossing was average but wil get better as he gets match fit. 8/10

17. Chris Plummer : Struggled at times against Harewood but stuck to his job well and doing very well on his return to the team. 7/10

18. Clarke Carlisle : Got forward more than he usually does and almost scored. As good as ever defensivly. 7/10

12. Matthew Rose : Broke out of defence well at times and made some good tackles but is still not at his best this season. 6/10

27. Stuart Wardley : Tried hard as he always does and almost scored. His passing was a little better but he wasn't involved enough to have a big influence. 6/10

21. Richard Langley : Typical Langley, does five good things and then one bad and is slagged off by his own supporters. He is an improving player and looked delighted at the final whistle. 7/10

10. Karl Connolly : He was very busy in midfield but had very little support when he got into wide areas. Not at his best today but he is looking more comfortable these days. 6/10

28. Peter Crouch : Worked hard up front and was unlucky not to grab a second goal. Gave us a moment of fun when he chased a ball down the right and decided to slide for the ball using his long legs. he reached the ball with ease but it went through his legs off for a goal kick. The Chant of "Rodney, Rodney" was never more fitting. What a Plonker! 8/10

9. Michel Ngonge : Started very well causing problems with his excellent movement off the ball and his pace. Seemed to tire in the second half but a good debut. 7/10