U23 Professional Development League
Team: Brzozowski, Johnson, Hamalainen, Owens, Phillips, Fox, Tilt, Ochieng, Oteh, Mesias, Alfa
Subs Not Used: Dickinson, Paul
Henry Ochieng was once again included in the starting line-up and at No. 2 was another trialist, 20 year-old Chiori Johnson. The former Arsenal defender had recently been on trial with Blackburn Rovers.
With Ian Holloway and Marc Bircham looking on, Rangers took the lead on six minutes. Aramide Oteh was put through by Aiden Mesias and with Jojo Wollacott advancing, the club’s leading goalscorer coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
After 17 minutes the visitors were awarded what looked like a soft penalty, but that said the Rangers players didn’t remonstrate with Mr Richardson. Tyreeq Bakinson stepped up and made no mistake, sending the R’s keeper the wrong way.
Bristol City took the lead two minutes later following a corner. An unmarked Tin Plavotic hammered the ball into the corner.
The Robins almost increased their lead, but for Johnson’s clearance from close to the goal-line. This had followed a dangerous cross into the box from the bye-line.
Chiori Johnson had slotted into the side nicely and was having a good game. Paul Hall ordered Aramide Oteh and Ody Alfa to temporarily switch positions.
Chay Tilt went on a good run, beating a couple of players before being cynically brought down. The subsequent free kick, from six yards outside the penalty area, was blocked.
Just before the referee’s half-time whistle, Oteh was fed a great ball, and he set off at speed. His angled shot was finger-tipped away to safety by the Robins custodian. Half-time: 1-2.
The Rangers captain, Aiden Mesias, made way for Hugo Cardoso early in the second-half.
Looking possibly offside, the Robins player ran through and his effort was well blocked by Chiori Johnson.
Bristol City extended their lead around the hour mark when Kaine Lucas Sinclair belted the ball first time, low into the corner.
On 64 minutes, Paul Hall introduced Kingsley Eshun at the expense of Henry Ochieng. Then soon after, Marcus Day scored a fourth goal for the Robins from around 20 yards.
The visitors had capitalised on their chances, whilst the R’s had hardly troubled the Bristol City keeper after the interval.
Marcin Brzozowski went down to make a good stop with his legs and was later booked for bringing down a Robins player wide of the box.
Three minutes from time, Ody Alfa scored an outstanding solo goal for the R’s from the half-way line. He bombed down the left-wing and proceeded to round the keeper and roll the ball into the net.
The U23’s final home game will be at Loftus Road next Monday.
Steve Russell