The first game of 2007 was another must win one for Rangers as Colchester were the visitors to Loftus Road. Colchester were tipped by many, myself included, to struggle this season but they have proved everyone wrong and started the game on the brink of the playoffs. Former QPR flops Kevin McLeod and Jamie Cureton were in the Colchester line ups looking to continue their recent impressive form.

John Gregory made changes to the side going back to a 4-4-2 system. Milanese was dropped as Pat Kanyuka returned to play at right back. Nick Ward started on the right instead of the injured Rowlands whilst Dexter Blackstock replaced Furlong up front.

The game started slowly and it was clear that Rangers were nervous and trying not to make a mistake early on but Lee Cook brought the game into life with his usual swagger. Cook got the ball in his own half and ran down the left beating two players on the way before testing the keeper with a low shot which lacked the power to open the scoring.

Nick Ward was next to have a go after a neat pass from Gallen found Ward on the right and he smashed in a left footed shot straight at the keeper.

At the end Garcia went close with a long-range effort before Rangers took the lead. No shock that it came from a Lee Cook assist, this time Cook's cross into the middle was deflected but looped to Jones who placed a header over the keeper and into the back of the net for his sixth goal of the season.

Cureton had a half chance to level the scores right on half time but going into the break Rangers were in front.

Straight from the kick off Rangers almost extended their lead. Kevin Gallen found space in the box and ran onto a Jones knockdown to unleash a brilliant volley to the top corner but the keeper produced a brilliant save to tip it over the bar

Blackstock was then guilty of missing Rangers best chance. The best of them he created himself winning the ball and sprinting clean through but his shot was saved low by the keeper but Blackstock really should have scored.

Gallen was at the heart of most of Rangers best moves playing the simple passes wide to Cook and later Baidoo, which created some more chances. Cook played a perfect cross for Ray Jones who found himself unmarked but headed straight up in the air. Gallen then played a one-two with Jones but scuffed his shot when it looked like he might score.

Blackstock went close again receiving the ball with his back to goal before turning and firing in a powerful shot, which was again well saved. Furlong then went close after Lomas played the ball in but his effort hit the side netting.

At the other end things were getting tense and nervous but Stewart was impressing clearing everything thrown at him whilst Kanyuka kept McLeod very quiet.

In the end Rangers registered a second successive 1-0 home victory to keep heads above water in the relegation fight.

Man of the Match: Damion Stewart