QPR U18 (3) – Southampton U18 (1)

FA Youth Cup 3rd Round

Team: Bulmer, Harriman, Waters, Ehmer, Bailey, Olley, Sutherland, Bewick, Cox, German, Graham
Subs: Doughty, Molloy, Nanetti, Morley, Andrade

I met up with Simon from Sweden in the Coningham Arms before the match. Not only was he over from Sweden, but he was also on his Honeymoon. Married on the Saturday, Watford on the Monday, Loftus Road on Tuesday and he also planned to attend the U16’s match at Harlington the coming Saturday before flying home the following day ! Well done Simon !

Five years ago and almost to the day, the R’s were also drawn against Southampton at Loftus Road in the FA Youth Cup. Their fortunes have changed dramatically, but they still have an Academy. I found the team sheet the other day and it was interesting to note that representing them that night were players such as Martin Cranie, Theo Walcott, Leon Best, David McGoldrick and Nathan Dyer.

Rangers took the game to the visitors and Elliott Cox soon put over a couple of low, dangerous crosses from the right wing. He then had a good opportunity himself but put the ball over the bar after following up a free kick. Eighteen minutes in and good perseverance down the right by Antonio German resulted in Frankie Sutherland belting the ball from 25 yards which clipped the left-hand post. At the other end, a defensive error should have put Southampton ahead when a header was flicked into the path of Sam Hoskins who shot just wide. Then, a ball was put enticingly across the box and luckily the two Saints players homing in, failed to connect. Rangers then picked up their game and after 35 minutes Frankie Sutherland was on-hand to beautifully curl the ball into the net from just outside the box. 1-0 to the R’s and a couple more chances followed before the interval. Firstly a corner was headed wide and another goal attempt was created after a good run by Antonio German. There was one added minute before Mr Muge blew his whistle.

After the re-start, Southampton came straight out of their blocks and Ben Reeves’s low shot was pushed round the post by Bulmer. Ten minutes later, Bulmer was on-hand again to make an outstanding save from Hoskins. He tipped his overhead kick round the post from close range. A minute later, the visitors equalised when McNish fired a left-footer to Bulmer’s right following a one-two off the ref. The game then swung back again to Rangers in terms of possession and scoring opportunities. A superb run down the right By Elliott Cox forced a corner. As the rain teemed down, Christian Nanetti came on for ‘Bags’ Graham and he certainly looked well up for it. Sam Bewick found his shooting boots and fired the first of his three strikes at goal just wide of the post. The other two followed in fairly quick succession and with greater velocity

With around 15 minutes remaining, Steve Gallen made a further change with the introduction of Michael Doughty at the expense of Frankie Sutherland. In the 78th minute, Aaron Waters put Antonio German through with a superb long ball down the left and behind the Southampton defence which he clinically disposed of. Sam Bewick hobbled off with an injury and on came Javonne Molloy. The R’s finished off the opposition in stoppage time. Molloy belted the ball at the keeper which then came out to German who was on-hand to tap it in and secure a well deserved victory. The attendance was 414 and amongst them was Richard Langley.

Steve Russell