Team: Little, McLean, Paiva, Orafu, Mahorn, Hawkins, Mema, Conte, Kargbo, Aoraha, Donkor
The scheduled league fixture against Ipswich Town was postponed as the Tractor Boys were set to play Exeter City in the FA Youth Cup a few days later.
A friendly was arranged against the SEDA Academy from East Acton. The academy is dedicated to the development and progression of young players in West London.
It was a very welcome return for Nathan Orafu to the starting line-up after a very long layoff. Also included were two U16’s players.
The R’s got off to an assertive start when Armelindo Mema forced the visiting goalkeeper into tipping the ball superbly over the crossbar.
Whilst at the other end, the quick and tricky SEDA Academy No.7 (who was to have an impressive game) went close to equalising, but for the alertness of Max Little. The R’s keeper denied him at the near post.
After getting into some space, Hamzad Kargbo side-footed the ball, which narrowly evaded the upright.
It was no surprise when the R’s opened the scoring after 32 minutes. Mema’s corner into the box found an unmarked Hamzad Kargbo who then hit the back of the net with a solid header.
Alex Aoraha’s directed chest down resulted in an effort narrowly going wide of the target. Later, his low struck corner came off the near post.
Nathan Orafu doubled the lead with a powerful free kick, which had looked a goal all the way. Half-time: 2-0.
A good opportunity was created after Hamzad Kargbo had won the ball with the keeper. After proceeding close to the bye-line, his left-footed shot closely passed the far post.
Alex Aoraha scored the third goal, stroking the ball smoothly with his left-foot.
Number four came from Armelindo Mema. Under pressure in a wide-left position, he did really well to proceed inside to around the penalty spot, where, still under pressure, he swung his leg at the ball, which then flew past the keeper.
Raheem Conte’s excellent ball across the six-yard box, almost found Hamzad Kargbo, but his fully stretched leg just couldn’t quite make contact.
Hamzad Kargbo started the move, which led to QPR’s fifth goal. He followed up Raheem Conte’s shot after the keeper had saved his effort with his legs.
Looking for his hat-trick, the R’s No.9 let fly, forcing the keeper to dive to his left to make an excellent save.
The visitors pulled a goal back from the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge.
Paul Furlong made at least five changes during the second-half, which included Stathis Kalathias, John-Kymani Gordon, Hamid and two U16’s (one being a trialist).
Isaac Pitblado looked on from the sidelines, hopefully he will be back in action very soon.
The U16’s lost 2-4 to Ipswich on the adjacent pitch.
Steve Russell