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Owen Coyle has recently re-iterated Cole's contribution not only during a game but on the training ground for other players to learn and develop - this was Blake's lesson after witnessing Cole's quick brain, movement, feet and technical master-strokes as he becomes a Clinical Claret. He masterly deflected in a Joey Gudjonsson free-kick, blatantly going wide, from 15 yards out just before half-time to give the Clarets a lifeline before equalising early into the 2
Lest we not forget Ade's typical contribution that is continuing to be extremely influential - his leadership; power; physical presence and invaluable goals is partnering comfortably with Cole's movement and technical qualities.
What it is to be a travelling Claret this season - 8 wins; 4 draws and 4 defeats and with some impressive victories earlier in the season this surely ranks amongst the best against a team in-form; with smug home supporters, after their financial injections and seemingly cruising to a 6th win in 8 games. And what pleasure it was to sing "2-0 and you f*%£ed it up" as the game ended. Before the game, I was approached by some younger QPR fans asking "who our new has-been striker was" - I hope they remembered that question after the game as I replied "you'll soon find out after he scores a couple later on". This result was Bellisimo!! The Italians were shell-shocked!! But by no means was the performance brilliant by Burnley.
The game started at a fast, open pace and sure of goals with both looking for an early break-through - Kyle produced his only real contribution winning a few early corners with long-striding runs and QPR broke quick giving our defence, and Alexander especially, a torrid time throughout. First blood was struck contentiously by QPR though after 14 mins with ex-Watford general Gavin Mahon heading aggressively above a surprised Alexander who failed to compete - this after the ball seemed to go beyond the left touchline, which Jon Harley seemed adamant about.
Burnley soon dominated the game's possession but without creativity and incisiveness, from our two threats Elliott and Blake, we became frustrated; lacked shape and balance in midfield; lacked pace and presence up top and were classically caught with the sucker-punch 2nd goal. From our attack QPR won the ball and quickly drove a bus through our sparsely populated central midfield and played a through-ball to PNE-reject Patrick Agyemang who coolly rounded The Beast and slotted home after our defence stepped up and acted out the Arsenal hand-raise scene ineffectively - again, a contentious decision and difficult to judge from our position behind the goal. 2-0 down we were all thinking what a waste of time and money it was to come this far. QPR were defensive; well organised and in cruise control - typically Italian.
Goals are obviously important at any time of the game but some more than others and Cole's goal before half-time was massive and gave everyone belief and hope from frankly a sorry and losing position.
Again, the half started quickly and within 10 mins Cole had equalised and the Upper Tier away support was rocking and in complete shock at our comeback. QPR rallied and came back strongly with a succession of corners and pressure with Jensen gaining The Beast plaudits from the fans (Not Boo's as one guy suggested on Radio Lancs last week). Elliott soon cracked a 25 yard strike against the post and then Rowan Vine soon shot wide after a lovely ball through from Agyemang - the game was in a seesaw position and the next goal was crucial to settle the nerves. Thankfully, Ade popped up at the far post, after 77 mins, to head home after Captain Caldwell headed a corner back into the danger area. Cole grabbed the final goal on 86 mins and the result was complete and a superb travelling contingent celebrated with sheer amazement at the uncharacteristic comeback - I have never experienced an away game like that watching Burnley - it was pure bliss!
By no means was this a convincing performance and all was hinged on Cole's first before half-time and the tactical substitution of Ade replacing Blake who seems to have returned back to his deep-diving boots days and indecisive decision-making making him look sloppy and lacking confidence. The decision, as last Saturday against Colchester, to move Cole deeper and have Ade leading the line worked with danger. Although not Cole's natural position his movement; his ability to bring others into play and the timing of his runs into the box, at our level, is clinical and surely makes us a prime play-off candidate despite our insecurities in the middle of the park and ageing defensive line-up. In midfield a 4-4-2 with Joey and JOC has never and rarely will work and Kyle is reaching the limits of his over-extended period on the left and looking totally ineffective - hopefully not to the detriment of his confidence. We are always suspect to pace and power defensively and partly look shaky because of the formation played in front of them.
But we are consistently looking to attack with intent, pace and, if need be, with power and long ball tactics and this versatility and access to change styles and tactics is a superb weapon, which we saw on Tuesday at QPR and this gives us as good a chance as any in those final 10 games to sneak into those play-offs.