Jamie Mackie

Mackie admits final-day mayhem was the most emotional game of his life

Jamie Mackie was reduced to tears by QPR’s nerve-shredding final-day defeat to Manchester City – and insists the Rs should have taken something from the game.

Mackie’s diving header gave his side a stunning 2-1 lead against Roberto Mancini’s team, as a spell-binding match affected the fortunes of teams at the top and bottom of the table.

Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero scored the injury-time goals which sealed City’s first title for 44 years, although Rangers avoided the drop thanks to Bolton’s failure to beat Stoke.

Mackie admits he has never been involved in a match like it, and his only regret is that QPR failed to hold on to the lead they worked so hard to earn.

“I’m a bit gutted that we didn’t spoil the party because I really did feel that we deserved a point,” said Mackie. “However, all that matters is us being in the Premier League.

“I think I cried when I scored! It was the most emotional game I’ve played in, it means so much for me. I love QPR for giving me the chance and I want to stay here and be part of great things. Four years ago I was playing in the Conference, and to be able to have a say in the Premier League title is unbelievable for me.”

Mackie sang the praises of Armand Traore, whose pin-point cross game him the chance to plant a header past Joe Hart.

“Traore’s got great pace, and I knew as soon as he had the touch that he was going to deliver the ball,” added Mackie. “He’s got good quality when he gets in those positions so I thought I’d gamble.

“You can either buy a ticket and see what happens, or you stay on the halfway line and watch the cross go to the back stick. My nature, being a forward, I got up there. As soon as I get chances like that I’m very happy that I’m going to score goals.”

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