Championship Round-Up: Mackie on the mark again for QPR

14 September 2010 22:43
Jamie Mackie took his tally to six goals in as many npower Championship games as free-scoring QPR claimed a 3-0 win to move three points clear at the top of the table.

- Ipswich 0-3 QPR: As it happened

In-form striker Mackie, a summer signing from Plymouth, scored twice and strike partner Heidar Helguson added a third from the penalty spot to ended Ipswich's unbeaten record in the Championship this season.

Mackie has been a shrewd acquisition for Neil Warnock's side, who have won five of their first six league games and are the only unbeaten side in the division after Cardiff were beaten at Leicester.

- Leicester City 2-1 Cardiff City: As it happened

- Hull City 2-0 Derby: As it happened

- Middlesbrough 2-1 Burnley: As it happened

- Barnsley 5-2 Leeds United: As it happened

- Crystal Palace 4-1 Portsmouth: As it happened

The Hoops have now scored 17 goals in their first six games and have conceded just twice, with five clean sheets, to raise hopes of a push for promotion.

Rangers made a bright start and Helguson had a chance to put them in front in the first minute but shot straight at Ipswich goalkeeper Marton Fulop.

Rangers central defender Matthew Connolly was also presented with a chance to open the scoring when he rose highest to meet an Adel Taarabt cross but headed over the crossbar.

Ipswich started to get into their stride and leading scorer David Norris tried his luck from long range but his right-foot drive failed to test Paddy Kenny.

The visitors responded and Helguson was denied by a fingertip save from the agile Fulop after 24 minutes.

And it came as no surprise when Warnock's side took the lead seven minutes later.

A Kaspars Gorkss cross was flicked on by Helguson to Mackie and his first attempt was blocked, but the former Plymouth man made no mistake with his second attempt from 12 yards out.

Rangers lost Alejandro Faurlin to injury 10 minutes before half-time but they were two goals to the good four minutes before the break.

Helguson was the architect as his cross picked out Mackie and the in-form striker slotted home with his right foot from 12 yards out.

Ipswich boss Roy Keane made a double substitution at half-time with strike duo Tamas Priskin and Connor Wickham replacing Luke Hyam and Andros Townsend.

And Carlos Edwards had an opportunity to pull a goal back for the home side five minutes after the break but fired wide from inside the penalty area.

But Rangers were in control and debutant Kyle Walker, signed on loan from Tottenham on Monday, crossed for Helguson but the former Watford man fired wide.

The third goal came after 66 minutes when Tommy Smith fouled Mackie and referee Keith Stroud pointed to the penalty spot just before Akos Buzsaky lashed home.

Helguson made no mistake with the resulting spot-kick to end any hopes Ipswich had of getting back into the game.

Source: DSG