U21 Professional Development League 2
Team: Lumley, Kakay, Kpekawa, Wise, Antonio, Sandro (Mitchell), Shodipo, Rosenthal, Fer (Crichlow), Mulraney, Emmanuel-Thomas
Subs Not Used: Hudnott, Manning
Rangers got off to a flying start with Tom Rosenthal’s shot hitting the underside of the bar before being cleared off the line. Then Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’s deflected shot hit the crossbar and flew out for a corner.
The visitors had rarely ventured into the Rangers half at this stage and their first effort was fired straight at Joe Lumley. Therefore, it was no surprise when the R’s took the lead after 12 minutes when Sandro hit the back of the net following two deflections en route and sending their keeper the wrong way.
Jake Mulraney was proving to be very effective down the left flank. One of his excursions into the box saw him unleash a wonderful shot with the outside of his foot which then proceeded to bounce off of the crossbar. Then the busy Kieran Harrison was forced down to stop Osman Kakay’s shot with his legs.
The Railwaymen could well have scored an unlikely equaliser but their attempt across the 6-yard box evaded the best efforts of two advancing Crewe players.
After 35 minutes, Rangers were awarded a penalty, which resulted in four players wanting to take it. It was left to Olamide Shodipo to put it away via the inside of the post.
However, Mr Vallance wasn’t interested when Jake Mulraney was shoved over in the box. The ball went out of play and a goal kick was awarded instead.
The Crewe keeper made a superb double save, but elsewhere on the pitch Rangers were giving away some silly, needless fouls. The half-time score somehow remained at 2-0.
Kieran Harrison was again called into action after the break when he saved a point blank header following a corner, whilst at the other end I think it was Harly Wise who stopped the ball on the Rangers goal line.
On 60 minutes, Sandro and Leroy Fer made way for Gianni Crichlow and Aaron Mitchell respectively. Five minutes later, the visitors pulled one back from the penalty spot, sending the ball to Joe Lumley’s left-hand corner.
After 79 minutes, Olamide Shodipo scored his second from close range after a decent spell from the visitors. Joe Lumley was at full stretch as he sprung to knock the ball out. He also made a superb stop from the resulting corner.
Gary Karsa’s appointment as head of the Academy has been mooted around the media recently and he looked on from his vantage point on the balcony behind us.
The Tuesday Lunchtime Crew also included; Alan Barnes, Clive Kingham, Roger, Chris Hewitt plus Keith and his mate Paul.
Steve Russell
Hi Steve,
How are you?
Just thought you might be interested that on a recent Monday I also saw QPRs U21s when they were at Leeds.
I was just about to get lunch when I decided to have a quick look on the QPR Newsnow site.
Imagine my surprise when I saw they were playing at the Leeds training ground at Thorp Arch at 1 0’clock. This is about 10 miles (15 mins) from where I live.
I made a quick sandwich and set off about 5 to 1. I arrived about half way through the first half to find they were 1-0 down.
Leeds were a big strong side and had more of the game although Rangers did put some nice moves together but mainly in their own half, however just before half time they got an equaliser after a sharp move.
In the second half Leeds continued to dominate and it was no surprise when the added 2 quick goals and made several more chances, so it was a relief when Rangers got a goal back from a slightly controversial penalty, though I thought the decision was correct.
The game continued in the same way with Leeds on top, but in the last few minutes Rangers equalised after a very tidy move.
Unfortunately, I did not know the Rangers players were, so I cannot tell you who played, however the goalkeeper (Lumley?) commanded his area, the full backs both played well, the centre backs stood up well to a lot of Leeds pressure and the wingers were very tricky and skilful, particularly the left winger.
Anyway it was a well earned,if not a little fortunate draw after an entertaining game.
Steve, I wonder if you could let me know if and when any of the Rangers younger sides are at Leeds in the future. I noticed the U18s got beaten the previous week.
Regards
Len