U23 Professional Development League
Team: Dieng, Furlong, Perch, Lynch, Williams, Shodipo, Manning, Owens, Eze, Oteh, Osayi-Samuel
Subs Not Used: Bowman, Kakay
On a dark afternoon with a cutting icy wind blowing across the Harlington training ground, Paul Hall fielded a strong side, which included the welcome return of James Perch.
Seny Dieng did really well in the opening stages when he left his area to clear a dangerous ball after sliding towards the corner flag.
Whilst at the other end, Ryan Manning burst through and his shot clipped a Charlton defender and went behind for a corner.
Some good defending from Joel Lynch when he anticipated his block perfectly as the Addicks player got himself into space before pulling the trigger.
Rangers then went close after a deft touch set up Jack Williams in a widish position and his shot went through the keeper’s legs, but was cleared off the line.
Immediately after this, the R’s took the lead on 30 odd minutes. Shodipo’s cross into the box wasn’t dealt with and as Oteh and Osayi- Samuel both followed up, it seemed that the ball went in off of the latter’s chest.
With Ed Harvey presumably thinking that the ball was going safely over, Shodipo’s cross from the left-wing dipped and hit the crossbar.
From a move down the left involving Manning and Osayi-Samuel, Oteh tucked the ball in from close range.
Although standing well in his area, Seny Dieng decided to head the ball away and the follow-up shot was put wide.
Just before Mr Howard’s half-time whistle, Harvey made a great save after Osayi-Samuel had blasted the ball from close range.
Soon after the re-start, Osayi-Samuel got the Rangers third and seven minutes later Oteh made no mistake from Shodipo’s cross.
Just after the hour mark, Paul Hall introduced Chay Tilt at the expense of the R’s captain, Aramide Oteh.
A great ball into the box saw the Charlton defender head it against the post. Chay Tilt was on hand to blast the ball into the back of the net.
Charlie Owens was replaced by Romeo Akinola on 76 minutes.
Charlton had hardly managed to find their way into the QPR box, which showed just how dominant the home side had been in the second-half.
Jack Williams’s effort from over 20 yards only just cleared the bar.
The visitors applied some rare pressure in the closing stages. Seny Dieng made a superb diving save and then Jo Cummings scored a late consolation goal with a bullet header.
I was really pleased to see my mate Slough Billy again and also in attendance were; Gareth Ainsworth, Martin Rowlands, Lee Cook and Richard Hill.
Steve Russell