So the last league game of the season but barring a complete disaster we knew we had at least two games to play after this one. There was a relaxed air about this game though as QPR fans went out to have a good day and for once we didn't have a must win game.

We started off by drinking in town as the cab driver told is the Drurey arms was full and this was at half twelve.

Apparently QPR and Colchester fans filled the pub early and the police began to turn fans away. So we headed towards town for a few drinks in the Wig and Pen and watched Man Utd hammer Charlton. Remembering how far away the ground was from last years trip we were lucky enough to get a cab to the ground.

It was about now that I remembered how bad the toilets were and you have to laugh how Fulham have the front to moan about Loftus Road when you have shitholes like this. Being on a terrace again was a strange felling. The view is awful but the atmosphere was pretty good with QPR fans in high spirits.

Rangers made one change to last weeks team with Matthew Rose as expected starting in place of Clarke Carlisle. With the exception of Kelly who is suspended, this is probably the team that will start the first playoff game next weekend.

Rangers started the game slowly as both sides looked in end of season mode. Without Carlisle we didn't have the same dominance in the air that we usually see ay the back. Shittu was excellent but Rose was standing off and allowing them to pin us back.

We looked dangerous going forward though and a Gino Padula free kick saw our first chance curl into the box and Kevin Mcleod rose and headed into the net but the linesmen flagged for offside. It was impossible to see if the decision was right or not but no one seemed to complain so it must have been pretty fair.

Colchester then got on top with our defence looking pretty sloppy. They weren't helped by the midfield though who had a very sluggish start the game. Bircham and palmer just didn't get the same number of blocks and tackles in that they usually do and Colchester were looking the better side It took a good performance by Chris Day to keep us level in the first half.

From a corner on the left Day made an excellent block to stop them scoring but he made an even better save soon after with a 30 yard volley launched at goal but Day threw himself at the ball and turned it wide. They were not letting us have any time on the ball and it took another excellent Day save to keep them out.

From 18 yards out Duguid found himself in space but Day got down well and pushed the ball away for Padula to clear for a corner.

Rose was having a difficult afternoon but we began to settle and despite Colchester being the better side we almost went into the break with he lead.

The Colchester keeper made a right cock up of a clearance and Furlong was unlucky that his shot from an acute angle was cleared off the line. Furlong went close again with a good turn and shot but the keeper made an excellent save to deny us the lead.

At half time though we were lucky to be level but Rangers fans weren't worried and scores elsewhere gave us hope of finishing 4th if we could get ourselves a win, The players must have been aware of the other scores as they came out far more determined in the second half. Bircham (with heavily strapped ankles) and Palmer began to have more of a say in midfield whilst Langley and McLeod were beginning to look a threat out wide.

McLeod went on a storming run into the box and won a corner, which was wasted by Langley.

We got ourselves the lead though with a well worked goal. Kelly did well on the right and curled in a superb David Bardsley style cross for Furlong to head against the post and as the defence breathed a sigh of relief Furlong collected the rebound and scored his 13th goal of the season.

Furlong ran away towards the jubilant Rangers fans and moved to within one goal of leading scorer Kevin Gallen. It was a much better second half and those who had looked out of sorts in the first half like Mcleod, Palmer and Bircham were now running the game in midfield.

Rose too was improving as the game wore on but unless he steps up a few gears next week I think he may be the weak link in the defence but it is tough to judge Rose on this performance as it was his first full game in a long time.

Colchester brought on Mick Stockwell who was making his last appearance of his 22 year career. He was given a standing ovation from both Colchester and QPR fans.

He had an immediate impact putting in a cross Mcgleish who should have done better with a header and Day did well commanding his area against several free kicks and corners.

They should have got level though when sub Ben May had a free header from eight yards out hit he hit the bar as a goal seemed certain.

Pacquette then on for Langley who looked pretty pissed off with the decision and Pacquette was excellent when he came on, having one cracking shot go over and another after a quick turn brought a good save from the keeper. Pacquette is an explosive player and a good one to have on the bench.

Kelly went off looking injured to give Chris Plummer another chance and it was great to see him back again. Such a shame his comeback didn't came a bit earlier as he would be an excellent replacement for Carlisle, mainly for his dominance in the air, which we badly miss when Clarke isn't playing.

Rangers ended up hanging onto the 1-0 win and Ian Holloway and Kenny Jackett looked thrilled with the player's efforts at the end of the game. An announcement was made that both sets of players would come out again after the game and unlike at Loftus Road, the fans took notice of this and didn't run on the pitch.

After a short break, both sets of players came back out. Ollie looked delighted with the win but a few of the players looked totally knackered. It was good to say thanks to the players though for their efforts and they returned the thanks and looked happy to be sitting in 4th place now.

Also a word on the ref who had a excellent game, realizing it wasn't a dirty game he spoke to players rather than book them and let the game flow. If only we had more like him in division two.

So away to Oldham next week. That will be a very tough game but lets face it no game was going to be easy and the way we are playing at the moment shows that we have nothing to fear.

Man of the Match: Chris Day

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