There have been some thrilling and high-scoring encounters between QPR and Leicester City in the past, but one of the most memorable for QPR fans was their last-minute comeback win in September 2004.
In the 2003/04 season, QPR secured promotion from the Second Division in dramatic fashion, pipping Bristol City to second place. Despite this achievement, QPR’s manager, Ian Holloway, faced early-season pressure in the higher division due to a slow start.
A win against Gillingham, thanks to a goal known as “the hand of Bean,” bought Holloway some time. However, a defeat to Sheffield United added to the pressure. The pivotal moment came when QPR faced Plymouth, the team that finished just ahead of them in the previous season. Holloway’s job was on the line, but QPR managed to secure a 3-2 win with two goals from Paul Furlong and one from Kevin Gallen.
This victory turned the tide, and QPR followed it with two quick away wins. Confidence was building as they prepared to face a highly fancied Leicester side in their next match. Despite Leicester’s experienced lineup, they had only won three of their first nine matches.
The game started in Leicester’s favor, with a goal from James Scowcroft and a stunning long-range shot from David Connolly. However, Connolly’s red card early in the second half changed the course of the game. QPR gained the upper hand with their physical and fast-paced play.
QPR began their comeback with a header from Lee Cook, and then Paul Furlong, free from Dion Dublin’s marking, scored a perfectly placed header to make it 2-2. Cook had another chance to score with a diving header, but the Leicester goalkeeper made an incredible save.
The winning goal came in the last minute when Cook delivered a left-wing cross that Furlong headed in, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for QPR. The Loft End erupted in celebration, and Ian Holloway and his coaching staff invaded the field.
QPR continued their winning streak, securing victories in their next three games, and eventually finishing fourth in the league. Although they couldn’t maintain their initial pace, they cemented their position in the highest division and elevated Ian Holloway’s standing among QPR supporters. It was a remarkable and unforgettable period for QPR fans.
QPR: C Day, M Bignot, D Shittu, G Santos, M Rose, J Cureton, M Bircham, M Rowlands (K McLeod, 80), L Cook (S Branco, 89), K Gallen, P Furlong
Subs not used: R Edghill, J Cole, G Padula
Goals: Cook 58, Furlong 70, 90
Bookings: Bignot, Bircham, Furlong
Leicester: K Pressman, C Makin, M Keown, N Dabizas, J Wilcox, J Scowcroft, S Gemmill (J Gudjonsson, 68), L Nalis, N Blake (T Benjamin, 62), D Dublin (T Wright, 76), D Connolly
Subs not used: G Williams, M Heath
Goals: Scowcroft 29, Connolly 45
Sent Off: Connolly 53
Bookings: Keown, Connolly
Attendance — 15,553