After 12 games, QPR and Scotland star striker Lyndon Dykes has finally scored his first goal for the club from open play.
Dykes had previously scored four goals for the Championship side this season, all from the penalty spot, ahead of Friday night’s game against Brentford.
Manager had confidence in player
The lack of goals from open play hadn’t bothered QPR manager Mark Warburton. As reported by NTOF, he was confident that the goals would come for Dykes.
So it has been proved, as Dykes scored his first non-penalty of the season in style. Dykes made a great run into the penalty box, and smashed home a half-volley in style. The goal can be seen here. QPR lost the game 2-1 in the end, but that shouldn’t take away from Dykes’ goal.
He showed great football intelligence with the timing of his run.
Great football intelligence
He knew exactly where to be to get on the end of Bright Osayi-Samuel’s pinpoint cross. The finish was excellent as well. Dykes waited for the ball to bounce before firing it home, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
If Scotland manager Steve Clarke was watching, he would have been highly impressed with Dykes’ finish. It was the type of strike which vindicates Clarke’s faith in Dykes being Scotland’s number one striker.
Clarke will be looking for more of the same from the striker between now and March when Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers begin.
Dykes will be a key player for Scotland in those fixtures. If he can finish as well as he does for Scotland as he did for QPR, then he could help the qualifying process get off to a great start.