A feeling of despair swirling around Loftus Road as Birmingham City eased to a 4-0 lead before half-time. The Blues' fourth on the 42 minute mark was the 10th goal QPR had conceded in three league games. The air turned sinister.
Though, as all hope seemed to have washed away, QPR's 6ft 6' striker, Matt Smith, headed a goal back on the stroke of half-time. A thunderous noise of belief bellowed from the stands and suddenly the momentum had changed. Three minutes after the restart, Smith taped in another goal. The sinister tension which filled the stadium not too long ago had reconstructed into an uplifting applause. Everyone believed an unlikely comeback was on the horizon.
A Jordan Cousins sweet strike 10 minutes from time put the home side within an inch. Their dream came crashing down however after Nahki Wells had his penalty saved. QPR distraught; Birmingham, jubilant.
Rangers may have failed to fulfil a story for the ages, but Matt Smith's importance was displayed in full view. His old-fashioned nature makes the type of football uneasy to watch at times, but his presence his felt by the defenders. He causes problems that only a handful of players in the Championship can do.
Former QPR manager Steve McClaren praised Smith as a "valuable member of the squad" and Millwall boss Neil Harris believes he will do the same for his new team. "The reason the club has been attracted to him for some time is his style of play, he’s about the best there is out there at this level at attacking the ball aerially," he told the club's website. "He’s a big man at 6’6’’ who thrives off balls into the box, and you know he’s a handful when you’ve got players telling you he’s the toughest aerial opponent they’ve played against.
“Matt gives us an option with Steve Morison leaving, and with question marks over other players’ futures, so he’s important for us. It’s important to have different varieties of personnel, and Matt certainly gives us that. He gives us the option to move the ball forward and play around second balls, and to deliver crosses into the box with his presence.”
During QPR's threatening era of uneasiness and uncertainty, Smith has a played a vital role in keeping the West London team in the division. Despite his unstylish strengths, Smith accumulated 21 league goals in 92 appearances - 55 of which were off the bench. In conjunction, Smith averaged 7.5 headers per game for Rangers. This mammoth total is a factor to Harris' excitement. Smith's ability to influence the defence and attack, despite being less mobile, is an added option.
Due to McClaren adapting QPR's style last season, Smith's role deteriorated. The striker's minutes were reduced by more than 1000, with the vast amount of his appearances coming from the bench. Despite this, Smith was involved in a goal every 133 minutes (he averaged 103 in the previous season). Even though his substitution didn't result in a goal in most cases, his threatening size wreaked havoc for defenders and they didn't know how to deal with the 29-year-old at the time. He became the ultimate Plan B.
Smith has the traditional style which can either enthuse or discourage a crowd. Provided he is given the opportunities and the deliveries, Smith will become a success at The Den. QPR have lost a precious to their now non-existent strike force, while Harris will be enthusiastic that they have finally got their man.