QPR U18 (1) – Den Haag U20 (8)

Team: Bowman, Da Silva, Pitblado, Bettache, Carlyle, Orafu, Khaliq, Remy, Adams, Bansal-McNulty, Brooks

No team sheet for this friendly at Heston against the Dutch U20 side, but eventually we made out that the Rangers starting line-up included one trialist, at least two U16’s and 20 year-old Brandon Adams.

Brandon had recently been released following his loan spell with Linfield.

And it was Brandon Adams who put the R’s one up within a few minutes. After being put through, he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

The Dutch had a clear chance, but Myles Bowman was well positioned to go down to make a fairly straight forward save.

Some good defending at the other end from Faysal Bettache, when he cleaned up nicely to avert a dangerous attack.

The visitors were looking increasingly dangerous and their latest effort was a curled shot that was comfortably saved by the Rangers custodian.

A superb free kick into the box was knocked over the crossbar by Nathan Orafu, however, Den Haag then equalised after the ball was lobbed over Myles Bowman.

Amrit Bansal-McNulty sped through to the right side of the area, and then on to the bye-line. Despite nearly running out of pitch, his cross/shot hit the near post.

The Dutch took the lead from a corner when their player rose to flick the ball into the net. They went further ahead minutes later when the Den Haag player curled the ball beyond Myles Bowman.

The visitors added a fourth after the Den Haag player took control of the ball, advanced, and picked his spot.

Rangers created an opportunity of their own, but Shiloh Remy fired his shot directly at the keeper. Whilst at the other end, Myles Bowman got down to make an excellent stop.

Brandon Adams forced his way into the box and was slightly nudged after being sandwiched between two defenders, but he didn’t go down. Then a free kick was floated towards the six-yard area, but it was a little too high for Adams who headed well over the crossbar.

A good ball found the R’s striker and his close range effort went off the bar and behind for a corner.

The visitors were awarded a penalty close to half-time and the Den Haag player proceeded to send Bowman the wrong way. The referee blew his whistle seconds later. Half-time: 1-5.

The home team enjoyed a fair share of possession after the break, but it was inevitable that the Dutch side would score further goals. The R’s keeper made a superb save after the ball was blasted goalwards.

Good work by Adams in the box resulted in the ball falling to Khaliq whose shot was blocked. Unfortunately a sixth goal followed after the ball was slotted in the corner of the net.

After running into the box, Brandon Adams’s shot was deflected onto the upright and out of danger. Gilbert Miller was booked and in the final six minutes or so, the visitors scored two more goals.

Paul Furlong made three changes during the second half. Murphy Cooper replaced Myles Bowman in goal whilst Nathan Orafu and Amrit Bansal-McNulty made way for Gilbert Miller and Trent Mahorn respectively.

Former R’s player Ademola Bankola was also at the training ground in his role as goalkeeping coach.

Good luck also to Brandon Adams and all the other U23 players being released, namely; Conor Hudnott, Romeo Akinola, Alex Finney and Josh Wallen.

Steve Russell