U18 Professional Development League 2
Team: Zapieraczynski, Luzinda, Leahy, Brown, McDonald, Marino, Sackey, Tuck, Bouhiaoui, Talla, Petrie
Subs: Clark, McCann, Christmas, Castillo-Anderson, Lawrence
I was informed upon arrival at the training ground that the game would kick-off a bit late because, the Bristol City coach was held-up due to a fire on the M4.
In bright sunshine, the match got underway at 11.15.
Played at a high tempo, Rangers were probing the Robins defence with some good build-up play, whilst the away side relied on knocking the ball long.
However, it was Bristol City who took the lead against the run of play when Kai Churchley fired the ball into the bottom corner.
The visitors then went close to adding a second following a deep free kick into the box. Kai Churchley hit the ball first time and his effort flashed just past the upright.
Fifteen minutes or so later, Samuel Sackey’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected behind. Lorent Talla’s in-swinging corner was headed in by Ramy Bouhiaoui to give the R’s a deserved equaliser.
Kieran Petrie broke away, and, getting into the box, he fired the ball just wide of the post.
Half-time: 1-1.
Micah Hyde made one change for the second-half when he introduced Jabari Christmas at the expense of Alfie Tuck.
The City captain, Marley Rose, was booked, presumably for something he said to Mr Baines?
Kieran Petrie got himself into the box and as lined-up his shot, the ball just caught a City defender’s leg.
Jaden Brown was shown a yellow card after clipping Kieran Petrie as ran towards the edge of the box. The R’s No.11 managed to stay on his feet and still make the shot.
Samuel Sackey belted the ball towards goal, but he directed it straight at Jose Casagrande.
On 67 minutes, Teddy Lawrence replaced Ramy Bouhiaoui.
The R’s sub was soon in action when he showed some lovely skill, cutting in from the left-wing and going past three defenders, which almost resulted in a goal.
Rangers took the lead after the City keeper came out to deal with a bouncing ball, which then ran free and Jabari Christmas did the rest.
The next change was made on 77 minutes, which saw Matthew Castillo-Anderson coming on for Shannon Brown.
After being rounded, Kacper Zapieraczynski made a good recovery when he managed to grab the ball and avert the danger.
On 81 minutes, Noah McCann replaced Salvatore Marino and two minutes later Zapieraczynski had to leave the field after receiving some treatment. Following a corner, the R’s keeper had forcibly punched the ball away, but he must have injured himself in the process and Conor Clark came on.
Rangers secured victory after Lorent Talla chipped the ball to Teddy Lawrence, and with the keeper approaching, he chested it down and placed it neatly in the bottom corner.
In the distance, some of the first team squad could be seen doing some light training and also watching the match close-by were the likes of Les Ferdinand, Andy Impey, Chris Willock and Rayan Kolli.
Steve Russell