U21 Professional Development League 2 South
Team: Salamon, Rossi, Anthony (E), Woodman, Rendall, Aoraha, Kolli, Murphy, Kargbo, Pedder, Bala
Subs: Cant, Jude-Boyd, Angelov, Dougui, Ajose
The first real goalscoring opportunity of the evening fell to the home side when Rayan Kolli’s cross from the right was headed just wide by Hamzad Kargbo.
Rangers took the lead in the 11th minute when, despite being impeded, Rafferty Pedder continued his run to shoot at goal. Although Joe Thomas got a hand to the ball he couldn’t keep it out.
The Bluebirds fashioned a good opportunity to equalise after a move down the left-flank. An appeal for a penalty followed, the ball then ran loose, which subsequently went behind for a corner. From which, Vontae Campbell blasted his effort well over the crossbar.
Rafferty Pedder burst forward into the box and after his low-shot was deflected, the Cardiff keeper went down to smother the ball.
The home side doubled their lead in the 44th minute following a corner. The cross into the area got to Hamzad Kargbo, who proceeded to chest the ball down and belt it into the back of the net from close range.
However, the visitors pulled a goal back just before the break. Then we witnessed Trent Rendall suffering a very nasty injury and Mr Read soon blew his whistle to conclude the first-half. Eventually the R’s captain had to be stretchered off.
Arkell Jude-Boyd was brought on and he took his place at full-back whilst Ivo Rossi moved into a centre-back position.
On 67 minutes, Alex Aoraha was clipped in the box and Mr Read awarded a penalty. The R’s No.6 stepped-up and made no mistake with his spot-kick.
But the injury to the R’s captain overshadowed the game and later he was taken to hospital!
Neil Critchley was in attendance and also spotted was Sinclair Armstrong.
Steve Russell