Townsend confident of survival

Andros Townsend thinks QPR have enough quality - and time - to stave off relegation.

Last Updated: 10/03/13 at 13:08 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Andros Townsend celebrates his goal against Sunderland.

Andros Townsend celebrates his goal against Sunderland.

Andros Townsend is relishing the challenge of keeping QPR in the top flight, insisting the west Londoners have enough quality - and time - to stave off relegation.

Harry Redknapp's side followed up last weekend's victory at Southampton with another three points on Saturday, overcoming Sunderland 3-1 at Loftus Road.

It is a run that Townsend, one of three different January signings to score against the Black Cats, believes Rangers can continue at fellow strugglers Aston Villa next weekend.

"I don't think we won in my first three games here, but our heads didn't drop because we knew how good we are as a team in terms of the players we've got," the on-loan Tottenham winger said.

"We knew once we got that first win we could go on a run. We've got two wins now and hopefully we can carry on doing that.

"We've got massive six-pointers and that is why our heads didn't go down.

"We keep saying each game is a massive game and that it is a must-win but as a team we are relishing that.

"We know we can't drop points now and we're relishing that. You could see that against Sunderland and last week."

That attitude was visible for the most part in Shepherds Bush, where the hosts dominated the first half.

Steven Fletcher gave Sunderland the lead against the run of play after 20 minutes, but QPR rallied and Loic Remy fired them level on the half-hour mark.

The second half was less convincing but, just as the match looked to be heading for a draw, Townsend scored an exquisite half volley which was matched later by fellow new boy Jermaine Jenas.

"It sat up nicely to hit, cut across it and luckily it has gone straight in the top corner," Townsend said of his strike.

"If you look at the team we put out, we had two out-and-out wingers and two strikers so we were going for it.

"Junior (Hoilett) on the left was unbelievable in the first half - he tore the right-back to pieces.

"We came in at half-time and the manager was saying that was the best we had played in the first half and to take it into the second.

"It didn't quite work out that way. It was a bit up in the air, we couldn't get the ball down and play but the goal kind of settled us down and got us on the way to the win."

While QPR's form might be picking up, Sunderland's struggles continue.

Martin O'Neill's side have lost four of their previous five league matches, leaving them just six points off the drop zone.

"We have to pick ourselves up very quickly," defender John O'Shea said.

"We had a great start to the game but they got a bit of luck for the equaliser - the ball hit the inside of my foot after the lad (Townsend) had mishit his shot and fell right to Remy who tucked it away.

"They scored a pretty good goal to go 2-1 up but we definitely should have done better with the last goal. Even with the second goal, we could maybe have stopped it beforehand.

"If we'd done that we would have caused QPR a few more problems because the home crowd were getting tense. We needed to be cleverer with the ball.

"We have to front up now. We have a big week and the Norwich game is building up to be massive."


Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week


Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Kris Commons retires from international duty with Scotland

Kris Commons has retired from international duty with Scotland to 'concentrate on his family and on club football'.

Transfer news: Samir Nasri staying with Manchester City despite links to PSG

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri insists he wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Premier League: Chelsea defender Gary Cahill would welcome Jose Mourinho

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill would welcome the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved