Iain Dowie was understandably delighted following the 1-0 win at Norwich City tonight.

Despite being down to ten men for over an hour after Matt Connolly was dismissed for two bookable offences, the R's emerged victorious thanks to Martin Rowlands' first-half free-kick, and Dowie crowed: "I like the smell of the dressing room at this Club.

"This performance was all about desire, and we had plenty."

"We certainly feel we deserved that win because we harried and pressed, and our shape was excellent.

"Radek Cerny didn't really have a save to make. Defensively I thought we were excellent. Kaspars Grokss came in and was terrific - I was delighted for him."

After Connolly's dismissal, Lee Cook was replaced by Grokss, and Dowie confessed to www.qpr.co.uk: "Poor old Cookie must think I've got something against him because I took him off at Bristol City when Emmanuel Ledesma was red carded as well!

"But I've explained to Lee that I didn't buy him for his defensive qualities.

"It's a decent result, and I can't speak highly enough of the players for the effort they gave me out there."

Rowlands marked his first start of the season with the all-important goal, and the First Team Coach added: "I was pleased for Rowly. He took on the captain's role by taking that free-kick, and lashing it home.

"He showed great tenacity and desire, and was fantastic.

"We're not getting carried away though. There is a long, long way to go yet."