Gallen double turns the tables on Plymouth

Queen's Park Rangers 3 Plymouth Argyle

A comprehensive victory was the inevitable result of a commanding display from Queen's Park Rangers yesterday, and it sent Ian Holloway's side to the top of the Second Division. More importantly, the nature of the victory must surely have given QPR a psychological advantage in the title race.

Plymouth Argyle started the day on the top of the table, ahead of QPR on goal difference. But although Rangers' crushing victory at Loftus Road put them on top and sent Plymouth down to third, behind Barnsley, who beat Tranmere 2-0, Holloway said that League positions are meaningless.

"It is a waste of time looking at the League table right now," he said. "But looking at where we are, I suppose there must be something going right. I think we are showing the signs of becoming a very good side. There is an awful long way to go, but this is the sort of way we must continue playing for the rest of the season."

Holloway's side came into the game unbeaten at home this season, and it was only in the opening minutes that Plymouth gave any indication that they had the ability to end that record, and the QPR goalkeeper, Chris Day, was never hard-pushed to keep the visitors at bay.

Persistent QPR pressure paid dividends after 33 minutes. The Plymouth defender David Worrell fouled Gino Padula on the far side of the penalty area, and veteran striker Kevin Gallen hit an unstoppable low drive past the unsighted Argyle goalkeeper, Luke McCormick.

Tony Thorpe doubled QPR's lead in the 72nd minute, latching on to a weak clearance to drive the ball home from 20 yards. And, having given the home supporters just enough time to retake their seats, Marcus Bean put in a terrific cross for Gallen to hit home his second and QPR's third.

Queen's Park Rangers 3 Plymouth Argyle 0
Gallen 33, 75, Thorpe 72

Half-time: 1-0 Attendance: 17,049