QPR U23 (1) – Millwall U23 (1)

U23 Professional Development League 2

Team: Dickinson, Drewe, Domi, Bettache, Rowan, Gubbins, Duke-McKenna, Orafu, Kendall, Frailing, Dalling

Subs Not Used: Brzozowski, Carlyle

The kick-off was half-an-hour later than originally scheduled and whilst the game was in progress we watched the 1st team coach depart, ahead of the Blackburn match the following night.

It was the visitors who got off to an assertive start. Tyla Dickinson did well to tip a 25-yard free kick behind.

Then the Lions broke away through the middle resulting in the R’s keeper being forced down to put the ball out for a corner.

Following another breakaway, Tyla Dickinson made another good save when he knocked the ball over the crossbar. Rangers were dominating possession, but it was the Lions who were creating the best goalscoring opportunities.

Not surprisingly Millwall took the lead after 20 minutes when Isaac Olaofe thumped the ball into the back of the net.

QPR’s first shot on target was provided by Stephen Duke-McKenna, which Joe Wright managed to palm behind.

At the other end, Tyla Dickinson did really well to stop Tyler Burey’s powerful shot with his body.

Facing a very well organised Millwall defence, Faysal Bettache’s effort skimmed the outside of the upright following Charley Kendall’s assist.

The R’s custodian was called upon again to deny Millwall doubling their lead, when following a punted free kick, he managed to stick out a leg and avert the danger.

Deshane Dalling had a shot blocked and with Faysal Bettache limping, Shiloh Remy replaced him. At half-time the score remained at 1-0 to the visitors.

Into the second-half and the R’s went very close to an equaliser after a good run from Deshane Dalling. Charley Kendall rounded Joe Wright, but his shot went agonisingly past the far post.

On 69 minutes Paul Hall introduced Arkel Jude-Boyd at the expense of Jake Frailing and was involved with Rangers’ deserved equaliser a couple of minutes or so later.

Besart Topalloj brought down Stephen Duke-McKenna in the box and Mr Mannix pointed to the spot. The R’s captain stepped up and made no mistake.

It was the R’s that went closest to securing a winner in the closing stages. Charley Kendall’s header unfortunately evaded the target following a good move involving Stephen Duke-McKenna and Nathan Orafu.

Heavy showers had continued for the entirety of the match and my thanks goes to Greg for remembering to bring along his (large) umbrella, which apart from keeping him dry, it also accommodated Rob Bennett and myself.

In appalling conditions a draw proved to be a fair result.

Steve Russell