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Irish Eye: Kenny live for high-flying QPR

Ronan Hunt Murphy reflects on the Irish stars’ performances in the lower leagues cross-channel.

YESTERDAY WAS ANOTHER matchday full of postponements, as only two games were played in League One and League Two, and just seven in the Championship.

A convincing 4-0 for Paddy Kenny’s QPR saw them extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

Shane Long and Noel Hunt
Yesterday saw Reading move to within one point of the playoffs thanks to a 4-1 win over Bristol City.

Jon Stead opened the scoring for the visitors, but Jamaican midfielder Jobi McAnuff levelled things after half an hour.

Irish strikeforce Noel Hunt and Shane Long teamed up to score Reading’s second goal, with Long providing the cross for Noel Hunt to tap the ball in.

Long got on the scoresheet himself as the hosts dominated the second half, before killing off the game with a second.

Paddy Kenny and Martin Rowlands

QPR won resoundingly yesterday with a 4-0 home victory over Swansea, in a heated contest where a player from each side received a red card.

Alan Tate was sent off for a late challenge on Kyle Walker, and when Alan Tate ran half the length of the pitch to confront him, a row broke out.

QPR dominated the match, but goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had to remain alert as the visitors sought to score on the counter attack.

Rangers also brought on veteran midfielder Martin Rowlands late in the game as he continues his recovery from injury.

Andy Reid and Kevin Kilbane

A five-goal thriller between Sheffield United and Hull featured six Irishmen, but saw two of those players taken off in the first half with injuries.

Kevin Kilbane was hauled off for the visitors, while Stephen Quinn picked up a knock for United. Paul McShane was brought on for Kilbane to play his 16th game of the season. Hull led two nil at the break thanks to a double from Jay Simpson.

Mark Yeates and Andy Reid also lined out for Sheffield United, with Reid setting up a goal in a very open second half with Ched Evans scoring twice for the home side.

Jamie Devitt also started for Hull, and even though Reid was the best of the Irish, a last gasp goal from Jimmy Bullard saw him end on the losing side.

Ronan Hunt-Murphy writes about Irish football at GreenScene

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Ronan Hunt Murphy