1 min
QPR booked their place in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round by beating Everton on penalties with Jimmy Dunne the spot-kick hero after an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
The Hoops started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute after a brilliantly worked move resulted in Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic parrying the ball into Charlie Austin’s path who made no mistake with his header.
However, the Premier League side found an equaliser on the half-hour mark after a lovely floated ball from Andros Townsend picked out Lucas Digne at the back-post, who drove the ball home.
But just four minutes later QPR restored their lead – Austin again getting on the end of a cross and glancing the ball past the helpless Begovic.
Everton came out the traps quickly after the break and were level two minutes into the second period when a seemingly tame corner rolled across the box to Townsend who smashed home.
With the game remaining deadlocked in normal time, the tie went to penalties with a perfect record for both sides until Tom Davies missed Everton’s eighth spot-kick.
That left Jimmy Dunne to make no mistake and send QPR through to the next round for the first time in 13 years.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
The penalty shoot out had both sets of fans on the edge of their seat but it was centre-back Jimmy Dunne who remained the coolest man in W12 to send QPR through.
Moan of the Match
Andros Townsend’s equaliser came from a very preventable corner which will leave QPR boss Mark Warburton frustrated with his side’s defending.
Talking Point
Although it wasn’t a full-strength Everton, QPR were more than comfortable with their Premier League counterparts – does this mean the Hoops have a side capable of promotion?
Man of the Match
Charlie Austin – the striker became QPR’s top goalscorer this century after putting the ball in the back of the net twice in the opening 45 minutes.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Kevin Friend (Leicestershire) – a fairly standard showing up until the shootout when the official made the brave call to allow Ben Godfrey to re-take his penalty after QPR keeper Seny Dieng had failed to stay on his line.
Atmosphere
This had all the makings of a feisty cup tie, with QPR fans in great voice watching their side take on Premier League opposition.
Verdict
Mark Warburton will be delighted with not only the result but the performance and character of his side, battling hard to earn a memorable cup victory.
