U21 Professional Development League 2
Team: Hudnott, McMahon (Folkes), Lobjoit, Diakite, Wise, Kpekawa (Matthews), Prohouly (Butler), Akinola, N’Guessan, Corkery, Shodipo
Sub Not Used: Brzozowski
For the final U21’s game of the season at Loftus Road, Paul Hall made five changes to the starting line-up from last Friday, which included a trialist at right back, Josh McMahon. No sign though of Eusebio Bancessi, who I thought would have at least made the bench again following his two goals against Watford.
Another player who had made an impact in that game was Olamide Shodipo. And after five minutes he went on a great run down the left flank, beat his man, dropped his shoulder, sped into the box, and then belted the ball, which was saved by Cameron Dawson.
Whilst at the other end, the ball was squared into the box and Conor Hudnott was forced down to make a great save from close range. Wednesday really should have taken the lead when the unmarked Owls player blasted the ball over the crossbar.
However, the visitors did go in front after 35 minutes when Rangers lost possession. Luke Booker rounded Conor Hudnott who had advanced to the edge of the box, which left him the easy task of slotting the ball home. At that point George Butler was brought on at the expense of Axel Prohouly.
Minutes later, Wednesday could well have added a second after the ball was given away, and John Centeno’s effort narrowly missed the post.
Rangers were still creating good chances, which included Joseph N’Guessan’s header blocked and later, as he curled his next effort just wide of the far post, Mr Bonneywell blew his whistle. Half-time: 0-1.
QPR equalised five minutes after the break when Nathan Corkery set-up Joseph N’Guessan from a position on the right and close to the bye-line. The R’s striker put the ball away, low from close range.
Cole Kpekawa went on a great run down the left-wing, beating two players in the process and his ball into the box was put wide of the post. Rangers came close to taking the lead after the Wednesday players had put their hands up for offside.
Their appeals were ignored which resulted in the Owls keeper making a very good save, despite going the wrong way.
After 59 minutes, Josh McMahon was taken off and Anthony Folkes was introduced.
Romeo Akinola’s shot looked as if it was going wide but the Wednesday keeper still decided to push the ball behind. From the corner, the ball was fired on target from close range and Dawson made a great save.
The R’s took the lead after 65 minutes when a ball in from N’Guessan appeared to enter the net via the top of Romeo Akinola’s head.
Wednesday were still looking dangerous and Conor Hudnott made another superb save with Caolan Lavery clean through on goal. The R’s keeper managed to get a hand to the ball and put it out for a corner.
Samba Diakite looked very lively and showed what he is capable of. And apart from his productive runs there was also a classy moment when he spun round and his wonderful pass dissected the Wednesday defence.
With his nose bleeding, Diakite left the field and it looked as if Tom Matthews was ready to replace him. However, it was Cole Kpekawa that he replaced on 78 minutes. Diakite did come back on and oddly it looked as if the bandage was covering his eyes! Much to everyone’s relief he did eventually remove it.
On 82 minutes, left-back Leon Lobjoit scored the goal of the game when he side stepped one defender, went past others and then thumped the ball in the net from 12 yards. Wonderful!
Rangers conceded a penalty in the 88th minute when Lobjoit nudged George Hirst in the box. Lobjoit was booked and Hirst scored from the spot.
The R’s successfully negotiated the five minutes of added time.
Steve Russell