That question has made me a little happier in a week where I have been reminded of Saturday's result about 50 times. I thought I knew just one QPR fan, It seems there are more.
Sure you all got it, especially after COYW's clue. It was indeed Andrew Johnstone in our 6-0 romp over QPR back in October 2011. The 30-year-old scored his first after just 79 seconds, before adding a further two goals either side of the break. Amazing that it took 10 years before one of ours got a hat trick though.
Is scoring a hat-trick that big a deal? I once saw Sean Farrell get one, so they can't be that hard. As I recall, in the same match he also missed the worst penalty I've ever seen live.
Right foot, header and left foot. Just as well we had 'Million Pound' Jim that day though. And West Brom must have thought a hat trick was worth a deal since they tried to buy Farrell immediately after the game.
Interestingly, Cottager, that wasn't the match I had in mind, so Sean must have scored at least (!) two hat-tricks for us. The game I remembered was against Darlington in 1992, on a Tuesday evening at the Cottage. I think it was Gary Brazil who scored our other goal, after their keeper came out of his box to clear the ball and completely missed it, leaving Gary an open goal to aim at. Much as I have enjoyed our elevated status over the last 15-20 years, there's something about the lower division days that I miss (as well as much that I don't!)
And we all thought the prolific stirker had arrived with Sean. Unfortunately not to be and he's now a driving instructor up in Nottingham. Not to worry, we got "promoted" that year thanks to Sky! please log in to view this image PS Not sure he did get a hat trick in that Darlington game.
Now you've got me doubting my memory, Cottager. I've always thought I remembered seeing him score a hat-trick that day. I've just been searching for on online database of old results and goalscorers, but without luck. Does anyone know of one so that we can confirm or refute my dodgy memory?
Like you Captain, I can't find anything online. However in the attic archive - an Alex White and Dennis Turner book - the score is indeed given as 4-0 but Farrell only got one; our third. The others were scored by Gary Brazil (2) and Jeff Eckhardt. There's no match details unfortunately, just those basic bits. Sorry!
Thanks, Cottager. I've obviously reached the age where I start reinventing my memories. You'll be telling me we lost the Europa League final in 2010 next.
