Holloway backs Smithies after QPR defeat

Ian Holloway defended Alex Smithies after the QPR keeper’s error at Ipswich.

Rangers were beaten 3-0 at Portman Road – their first defeat since Holloway’s recent return as manager.

The second goal came after Smithies made a mess of an attempted header clear, presenting Luke Varney with a tap in.

But Holloway insisted that fault for the goal lay largely with his outfield players.

He explained: “We needed to make angles for him. It’s gone back to our goalie, he got closed down and somebody should be making angles for him – at least two people.

“As it came off his forehead and spun to the left, one of our players should have been there.

“The uneducated person will say ‘What’s Smithies doing?’ The educated person will say ‘Hang on, there should be support there – you can see it going back to him, why aren’t you moving?’”

Smithies atoned with a number of saves to prevent Rangers falling to an even heavier defeat.

They faded badly after going 2-0 down, having been involved in an even game up to that point.

“Some of it was very good. It was a close game even when it was 1-0,” Holloway said.

“We lost everything after the second goal and we have to look at that. We have to be brave.

“A few weeks ago we conceded six (against Newcastle) and I can probably see why. We need to work on them and give them some confidence.

“It looks like we’ve got a bit of work to do. My teams usually come back after they go behind.”