WE had just about thawed out following our disappointing performance at Cardiff, when it was time to hit the road again and head towards Shepherds Bush – the home of the BBC, Wormwood Scrubs and, of course, Queens Park Rangers.

Fortified by a full English breakfast at Cherwell Valley services, we arrived in good time to discover the local Wetherspoons, the Central Bar in Shepherds Bush Green, and down a couple of very acceptable pints of Abbots Ale – those monks knew what they were doing!

Hopes were high that a point could be had, as the Hoops were not seen as strong a team as Cardiff.

There was tight security when entering the 100-year-old Loftus Road stadium, causing queues of Wanderers fans waiting to get in – something not seen very often these days. Phil Parkinson rang the changes again in his quest to find the answer to the loss of Gary Madine, this time with young Tyler Walker up front.

In the first half we gave a good account of ourselves defensively with Ben Alnwick making some good saves when called upon.

However, we were doing nothing in their half of the field.

Half-time was distinctly uncomfortable in the unacceptable cramped refreshment area under the stand.

In the second half, David Wheater went close with a header from a Sammy Ameobi free kick but then the match turned on Mark Little’s sending off.

It looked harsh, but the referee had seemed to Wanderers fans as giving decisions the home side’s way all afternoon, so it was no surprise.

After that a difficult task became an impossible one. The inevitable happened and we conceded twice. Having said that we could and should have gone one up when Jem Karacan put Walker through.

Hoops, we did it again; another away day, another loss.

Our form on our travels is a big worry. We are not going to survive on home points alone.

We are struggling to retain possession in the opposition half of the field. We badly lack players capable or willing to hold the ball, especially in midfield and attack.

It’s putting enormous pressure on an already beleaguered defence, who are getting no respite because the ball is coming straight back at them.

It’s putting additional pressure on getting results at home, not least starting with Sunderland on tomorrow night.