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02 Jun 2014
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The Championship SkyBet Play Off Finals

Every year for at least six Football League clubs the season comes down to 270 minutes plus of nail biting tension. This year it was the turn of QPR and Derby in the Championship, Leyton Orient and Rotherham in League 1 and Burton Albion and Fleetwood in League 2.

Every year for at least six Football League clubs the season comes down to 270 minutes plus of nail biting tension. This year it was the turn of QPR and Derby in the Championship, Leyton Orient and Rotherham in League 1 and Burton Albion and Fleetwood in League 2.

For QPR it was a first chance return to the giddy heights of the Barclays Premier League.

For Men United it was a chance to get in front of yet more fans both inside and outside Wembley stadium. And it was also a chance to reward and champion some of our heroes from the season, the ones we'd like to see get promoted.

William Kilgannon reports from Wembley stadium.

SKYBET CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY OFF FINAL

Pot 'O Gold At The End Of The Rainbow by William Kilgannon
Match report: Derby County 0 - 1 QPR
Saturday 24 May 2014

A sell out, at the Wembley stadium, 87348 fans in attendance, waited in anticipation for their idols to come out on the pitch, to play a game that meant so much.

The sky was grey, but the colours of the supporters of both teams were bright in comparison. The time had come, the players were coming out on the pitch, the moment they had been waiting for.

How did they feel, as they lined up at the edge of the red carpet, proud, excited, or just plain ambitious destined for glory?

The moment the players lined up awaiting the match officials and chief guests, one of these being my dad a Millwall fan and ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK.

The heavens opened and all those on the pitch got drenched by the shower of rain, but nothing could dampen the spirits of everyone there. The national anthem played out followed by the roar of the crowd, the game was about to begin.

QPR showed their experience with a very skilled first half. But Derby dominated from the kick off. Austin (QPR striker) made a brilliant effort from 30 yards on the 7th minute mark. QPR fans were holding there breath after a risky challenge in the box by Dunne (QPR defender) on Hughes (a Derby midfielder) but nothing was given. Then a free kick was awarded to Derby.  It was left by everyone, but Green (QPR goalkeeper) wasn't taking any risks and he pushed it wide.

After half time the tension was becoming stronger and stronger by the minute.

Traore (QPR midfielder) then made an excellent run and pulled it back to Austin but he couldn't get it on target. Harry Redknapp then took off Doyle (QPR) for Zamora (QPR striker).

Then Russell (Derby midfielder) thinking  he was Messi, ran past 3 players, and threaded the ball through the legs of Dunne and sprinted towards goal, but O'Neil (QPR defender) put a stop to it by diving in on Russell and earn't himself a red card.

QPR fans were disgusted with the decision but I thought it was a definite sending off. On the 68th minute mark, Bryson (Derby midfielder) tested out QPR's  goalie Green with a powerful shot but Green had it covered. Martin (Derby striker) then gave Green another scare by hitting the ball towards the near post but England's old keeper put it out for a corner. With 15mins left of the game, the ball landed to Dawkins (Derby midfielder) who had a shot on goal  only to be saved yet again by Green. Green pushed the ball back out to Ward ( a Derby midfielder) , only to be blocked by his own team mate Martin.

At the 89minute, we all thought it would go to extra time but then the spectacular happened. Hoilet (QPR midfielder) crossed the ball into the box, but Keogh (Derby defender) lost his footing and the ball fell at  the feet of QPR striker Bobby Zamora. Zamora hit it first time, on the volley and BANG the ball bulges into the back of the net.

"GOAL!" the crowd screamed. "BOBBY ZAMORA!" filled the Wembley air. 1-0. Blue and white flags of QPR filled one half of the stadium and tears filled the other half.

To sum it all up, two teams, with one goal (1 - 0), rain at the start, sunshine at the end, and a pot 'O gold for QPR at the end of the rainbow.

By Men United reporter, William Kilgannon.