QPR U18 (2) – Bristol City U18 (2)

U18 Professional Development League 2

Team: Salamon, Anthony, Bagan, Hamid, Harrack, Hawkins, Murphy, Christmas, Middleton-Tozer, Brown, Bala

Sub Not Used: Zapieracynski

It was the visitors who came closest to scoring in the opening minutes. Firstly, a cross from the left-wing was headed just wide, which was then followed by Matteo Salamon making a very good diving save.

At the other end, Harry Murphy’s free kick from just outside the box was tipped over the crossbar.

Then, Elijah Anthony won the ball on the byeline, which resulted in James Walker saving Steven Bala’s low shot.

The play was fast and furious, and the R’s were passing the ball precisely with good movement. It was no surprise when Jabari Christmas gave Rangers a deserved lead on 13 minutes, shooting low beyond Walker.

The Rangers captain, Henry Hawkins, headed just wide of the post following a corner.

Matteo Salamon knocked a powerful shot onto the bar and the ball was eventually cleared to safety. The Robins achieved a corner after the R’s keeper had made a great one-handed save.

Steven Balla, whilst under pressure from two City players, managed to wriggle away and lay the ball off superbly.

The away side scored an equaliser on 41 minutes. The R’s keeper got a hand to the ball but couldn’t stop it flying into the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar. At half-time it was all-square at 1-1.

Omar Eisa was introduced for the second-half at the expense of Fraser Middleton-Tozer.

City went close to taking the lead in the early stages when Isaac Richard’s strike hit the crossbar.

For the R’s, Steven Bala went on a run and his shot forced James Walker down and successfully push the ball behind.

On the hour mark, Matthew Castillo-Anderson replaced Jabari Christmas.

Rangers hadn’t really got going since the break and the game had become a bit scrappy.

Salamon did well to put the ball behind and the resulting corner was headed just wide of the post.

Mr Kyriacou booked Seb Palmer-Houlden for impeding the R’s keeper as he attempted his goal-kick and shortly after a second City player was shown a yellow card.

Although the Robins had been having the best of it, it was the R’s who took the lead in the 77th minute when Harry Murphy spectacularly chipped the keeper from fully 30-yards.

Matteo Salamon made another excellent close-range save but the visitors equalised again on 86 minutes. A deep cross from the right-flank to an unmarked team-mate was slotted into the net.

Elijah Anthony then made way for Charlie McDonald.

Harry Murphy had a good opportunity to give the R’s the lead, but his effort cleared the crossbar.

Two other City players were booked in the closing stages.

Good to hear that the U16’s had won 2-0.

Thanks to Sammy for the lift to Park Royal Station.

Steve Russell

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