IT'S HOME SWEET HOME AT LAST!

YOU almost had to wonder whether Terry Venables was sprinkling some magic dust from up above at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.

- John Lyons

It was the Hoops' first home game since the death of their legendary former player and manager last weekend at the age of 80 and El Tel would certainly have enjoyed this one.

The scene was set before kickoff as QPR's new Spanish boss Marti Cifuentes carried a wreath to the centre circle, there was a hearty minute's applause from all round the ground - including the visiting Stoke supporters - and chants from R's fans in his name.

There had been many good times in Venables' stints as both player and manager at QPR, making up almost a decade in total. He won promotion to the top-flight on the pitch and in the dugout, while also taking QPR, then a Second Division side, to the FA Cup final against one of his former clubs, Tottenham, in 1982.

From west London, it was on to Barcelona, Tottenham and England in a glittering managerial career, but his early feats with QPR were never forgotten by the locals.

Those supporters and the younger generations that followed haven't had much to cheer about of late. Heading into the game against the Potters, the R's had won one home game in the past year and none this season.

Lying in the relegation zone and in danger of being cut adrift, they desperately needed the tonic of three points. Yet with just 11 minutes left, it looked as though it was going to be another depressing night for anyone of a QPR persuasion.

Lyndon Dykes' penalty opener had been overturned by goals from Ryan Mmaee (45 mins) and Wouter Burger (59), the latter coming six minutes after the Potters' Enda Stevens had been sent off somewhat controversially for a second yellow for a tug on Paul Smyth.