1st HDU Meet of 2018-19 Ends in Defeat

The Hoops Down Under met in Melbourne, Sydney & Perth for QPR's first home game of the 2018-19 Championship season against Sheffield United last night but unfortunately it ended in defeat.

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Queens Park Rangers who found themselves 1-0 up just before the half hour mark before the Sheffield United's Billy Sharp equalised a couple of minutes before the interval. In the second half Blades striker McGoldrick was adjudged to have been "nudged in the back" by Jake Bidwell at the far post. McGoldrick then calmly steered his spot-kick past keeper Matt Ingram to give Sheffield United their first win of their 2018-19 campaign. "We had some decent gatherings in both Sydney & Melbourne last night and a few managed to get along to the Perth meet too, however it was a shame we couldn't top the night with an Rs win."

Hoops Down Under co-founder Mark Davis said, "It was a better performance than our opening loss to Preston North End but it's quite clear a lot of work has to be done between now and the season's end if we are to compete with some of the best sides in the Championship."

Most HDU supporters were happy with the performances of Leistner, Eze and Freeman and there were promising signs from Kakay and Osayi-Samuel (when he came on).

"There were a lot of positives to take from the match but it's clearly evident that we need to strengthen the squad before the Loan Window shuts at the end of this month. I think some senior experience will really help with the balance of this side. We just gotta keep the faith!" Davis said.

At this stage there are no plans in place for the next meet but the Hoops Down Under are hoping that another meet can be arranged before the time difference in Australia & UK are altered again for the Australian Summer and UK Winter. "The harsh reality is we need the early kick off games for it to work for us timing wise down under. Here's hoping QPR are lined up for another SKY UK broadcast in the coming weeks before October" Davis added "Fingers crossed!"