Another ten months of division two football has started again and QPR start the new season as favourites to win division two.

So a new kind of pressure for us this year and we started the season with a game, which on paper looked to be a very tough one. Blackpool are a good organised team who play good football and add Mike Sheron making his debut into the equation and most QPR fans would have settled for a narrow win or a draw before the game started.

We all knew the heat was going to play a factor but I doubt any of us realised how hot it would actually be. Walking to the pub before the game the heat was almost unbearable. When we got to the ground at least a slight breeze was felt in the upper loft stand so a cold beer and read on A Kick up the R’s took our mind off the heat and the nerves and excitement that a new season brings began to kick in.

London’s Calling was played on the pa before the teams were announced. It was pretty much as expected. Just three changes from the team that went so close in the Millennium Stadium. Terrell Forbes started at right back, Richard Langley was in on the left and Gareth Ainsworth made his debut on the right wing.

As we made our way to our seats in the upper Loft the heat was amazing. I was almost drowning in my own sweat and god knows how bad it must have been on the pitch.

But the atmosphere was superb as the fans sang their hearts out even before the teams came onto the pitch. This must really help the team and makes Loftus Road and intimidating place to come and play, hopefully this kind of support will be seen at all games this season.

Before the game started a minute silence was observed for the death of former manager Ray Harford. It came as shock to me as it was the first I had heard of this and well done to the club for paying their respects to Ray Harford. He may not have been the best QPR manager of all time but he gave it his best during his ten month spell at the club and it’s sad to hear of his passing.

Back to the game and with the temperature at 115 degrees on the pitch the fast passed game which got us to the playoff final was unlikely to work, or at least that’s what I thought anyway. But from the first minute the team chased every ball and worked so hard showing the sort of determination which should see us finish in the top four again this season.

It was a dream start as we pushed them back and won a corner on just four minutes. Gino Padula swung in a dangerous cross under the crossbar and the Blackpool defence just didn’t deal with it.

Gareth Ainsworth popped up at the far post to stab the ball past the keeper for his first Rangers goal and the stadium was buzzing. Ainsworth ran off to do an air guitar celebration and was an instant hit with the fans.

Blackpool looked shell shocked and we pushed forward looking for a second goal. Paul Furlong was causing plenty of problems with his strength whilst Gallen and Ainsworth were linking together brilliantly.

Furlong was booked for a rash challenge on a Blackpool defender similar to one that got him a yellow card at the Millennium Stadium.

Blackpool played some nice football but had no end product. Sheron’s every touch was booed and he wasn’t having much joy against the excellent Shittu and Carlisle.

We were defending well and restricted them to a few long range efforts. Martin Bullock then went on a run which almost produced the goal of the season. He cut in on the right and used his pace and dribbling skills to leave Padula, Palmer and Carlisle for dead. As he got close to the area Danny Shittu did well to put a stop to his run with a strong challenge.

The referee stopped the game after half an hour for a water break. Sensible stuff from the ref who had a good game.

We were playing well but needed a second goal to make the game safe. The goal came right before half time. More good work out on the right saw a cross in for Furlong who was so unlucky not to score with a strong header. The keeper made a brilliant save and the rebound fell to Gallen. Gallen looked up and where other strikers would have shot he simply rolled the ball to Langley for a simple tap in.

In truth it was the first we had seen of Langley in the game but he kept up his record of always scoring against Blackpool. That’s six in four games against them now. 2-0 flattered us at half time but I’m sure they’ll be times when we don’t get what we deserve during the season so no one was complaining.

At half time the queues to get a drink of water were ridiculous. Would have been a good idea to have someone handing out water on a day like that but I guess that costs money and the fans are not usually thought of by football clubs.

The second half started with the players refreshed and Blackpool started quite well looking to get back in the game. We were a threat going forward though with Gallen hitting two shots off target and Furlong headed wide from an Ainsworth cross before we got a third goal.

It came on the counter attack as Ainsworth played a lovely ball down the right to Furlong. Furlong ran into the box and hit a shot, which was well saved, but Gallen slid in to convert the rebound although from my seat it looked like the ball jus hit him rather than him finishing it off. So 3-0 and Gallen gets his usual goal on the first day of the season.

It was exhibition stuff now as the fans were going mad signing about winning the league and the team looked to add more goals.

Blackpool still had chances but the defence were playing well and with Mike Sheron up front the scoreboard was in more danger than Chris Day’s goal.

A fourth goal arrived and it was the best of the afternoon. Gareth Ainsworth got it as he put the ball through the defenders legs and looked to have over run it as he sprinted into the box but he got to it just before the keeper and toe poked it into the back of the net. Pig Bag was played the fans celebrated and this was far better than we have ever dreamed of.

Ainsworth was then taken off to a standing ovation from the QPR fans and he seemed to love every minute of it. Furlong was also given a standing ovation as he left the field with Eric Sabin and Martin Rowlands coming on for first team debuts.

Sabin almost made an instant impression dribbling past two defenders like Thierry Henry before hitting a Steve Slade type shot into the upper Loft. Sabin looked eager to please and had a pretty decent game looking a real handful for defenders although his finishing was pretty poor.

Kevin Gallen was looking flat out at this stage and Tommy Williams replaced him as the two teams played out the rest of the game knowing the result was assured. We managed to get a fifth goal though in the last minute.

A free kick on the right was swung in by Gino Padula and Steve Palmer found himself unmarked at the far post and as the ball just seemed to be going past him he ran back and got a head on the ball which sailed into the far corner of the net for number five. Palmer was mobbed by his team mates and it was a deserved goal for a superb performance by the QPR captain.

The game was over but Richie Wellens managed to get himself sent off for a bad tackle on Clarke Carlisle. Thankfully Carlisle returned to the pitch after receiving some treatment.

So as the final whistle went the team were given a standing ovation off the pitch. It was a fantastic start tot eh season and the performance of the team was a re4al credit to their fitness and ability. We can play a lot better than that as well, which is very encouraging for the rest of the season.

Only QPR though could win 5-0 on the opening day of the season and still not go top, but that should keep our feet on the ground.

After the game we headed to O’Donoughes for the Madness tribute band and hats off to the pub for organising an excellent night. Money was raised for the QPR community project whilst Stan Bowles gave an award out for the Rangers Till I die Prediction League.

So onto Cheltenham now, can we finally win a cup game?

Man of the Match: Marc Bircham

Players Ratings

1. Chris Day: Had very little to do, made one save from a long range effort but can't remember him being called into action that often. 7/10

2. Terrell Forbes: Has come in for some stick in pre season but once again showed what a good defender he is and with Ainsworth ahead of him he doesn't need to get forward as much and can concentrate on the stronger areas of his game. 7/10

3. Gino Padula: Another excellent performance from Gino, if he can stay fit this season he'll be the best left back in the division. Set up two goals from set pieces and his skills bringing the ball out of defence were outstanding. 8/10

5. Clarke Carlisle: Didn't put a foot wrong all game and was his usual brilliant self. 8/10

6. Danny Shittu: Smashed one ball out of the stadium and had a solid game. Kept Sheron quiet and came close to scoring from a corner in the first half. 8/10

4. Steve Palmer: Ran his socks off in midfield in terrible conditions. He looked like a man fighting for his place in the team and you can't fault his effort. 8/10

8. Marc Bircham: An outstanding performance from Bircham. He ran his heart out for the team and passed the ball very well. His chasing and pressure he put on the Blackpool midfield allowed us to create so many chances and win the game easily. 9/10

9. Richard Langley: Didn't get much of the ball out on the left but he got better as the game wore on and managed to get his yearly goal against Blackpool. 7/10

11. Gareth Ainsworth: What a debut. Two goals, plenty of skill and passion and the feeling that he can play a lot better than this. We have a real star on our hands if he can keep this form up. 8/10

10. Kevin Gallen: Considering he's missed most of pre season this was a superb performance. His link up play was as brilliant as usual and he caused real problems for Blackpool dropping deep and going out wide. Deserved a goal after an excellent performance. 8/10

29. Paul Furlong: A brilliant display by Furlong, which had everything but a goal. He was strong, quick and looked very hungry. 8/10

Subs

12. Eric Sabin: looked a threat when he came on and could be a useful squad player. 7/10

14. Martin Rowlands: Didn't do much but much more to come from him. Nice to see him get a run out with the game already won. 7/10

33. Tommy Williams: Square it Tom! He did ok when he came on but like the other subs the game as all over by the time he came on so didn't have much of an impact. 7/10