QPR U18 (2) – Bolton Wanderers U18 (2)

U18 Professional Development League 2

Team: Brzozowski, Springer-Downes (Ribeiro), Barzey, Klass, Eales, Dupray, Goather-Braithwaite (Bettache), Folkes, Platt, Akinola, Cardoso (Martin)

Sub Not Used: Harvey White (GK)

This 10.30am fixture was switched to Heston because the first team was training at Harlington, ahead of the match at Cardiff the following day.

Within the first minute, the ball was swung over from the left wing, which was met by Darnell Goather-Braithwaite, but his volley flew over the bar.

This was followed by another productive move down the left flank, which resulted in the ball being knocked to Michael Klass, who screwed his shot wide of the post.

After this early Rangers pressure, a defensive error let in the lone Bolton striker, Ryan White, who shot across the face of the goal and past the far post.

The visitors then went even closer when an in-swinging corner received a touch, which then came off the post.

At the other end, Hugo Cardoso knocked the ball into the box, which somehow evaded the best efforts of the two well placed, outstretched Rangers players.

The R’s took the lead after 31 minutes following a good through ball from Folkes and Klass finished cleanly.

Hugo Cardoso had been very effective operating down the left flank, but unfortunately he was stretchered off and taken straight to the Academy Physio building. So Romario Martin came on to replace him after 39 minutes.

A Trotters player was booked for handball and the free kick from 25 yards out was fired well over the crossbar.

Bolton were enjoying a good spell and their winger Luca Navarro cut in from the left and his shot narrowly cleared the bar.

Just before the break, the visitors were awarded a free kick 30 yards or so out. Navarro’s shot was struck low and appeared to bounce a couple of times en route before striking the inside of the post. Half-time: 1-1.

Just minutes into the second-half, Harry Brockbank was brought down in the box and Mr Ottaway pointed to the spot. Matthew Fearnley made no mistake, sending Marcin Brzozowoski the wrong way.

Minutes later, the R’s were also awarded a penalty following a corner, which looked at first, as if it had been knocked too long. But the wind seemed to hold it back and it was subsequently handballed. Michael Klass stepped up and his spot-kick was saved by the Bolton custodian.

A foul just before the hour mark provoked some retaliation, which then resulted in Michael Klass and the Bolton culprit being sent off.

QPR equalised after 61 minutes when the impressive Brandon Barzey cut in from the left wing and fed Romario Martin, who then looked up and struck the ball magnificently into the corner of the net.

Two minutes later, Paul Furlong brought on Leandro Ribiero and Faysal Bettache at the expense of Rhys Springer-Downes and Darnell Goather-Braithwaite respectively.

Marcin Brzozowoski took off to his left at full stretch to push away a goal-bound strike from the visitors. He later kept out another powerful shot that was aimed straight at him.

Brandon Barzey was booked in the closing stages for what we presumed was something he said?

Man-of-the-match for me was Brandon Barzey and the 2-2 draw was probably a fair result.

The Heston Morning Crew also included; Alan Barnes, Clive Kingham and Roger Stokes.

Steve Russell