U21 Professional Development League 2
Team: Salamon, Jude-Boyd, De Silva, Gubbins, Harrack, Hawkins, Dixon-Bonner, Owens, Kargbo, Pedder, Bala
Subs: Cant, Angelov, Dougui, Aoraha, Ajose
It was the visitors who created the first shot on target in the opening minutes. Following a breakaway, Justin Obikwu’slow-shot was comfortably saved by Matteo Salamon.
Coventry almost took the lead after a low-drive took a touch from a team-mate en route, but the R’s keeper did well to hold on to the ball.
On 27 minutes, Dillon De Silva was switched to where he should be, on the right-flank. However, five minutes later he was moved back over to the left-wing.
After a good ball into the box, Hamzad Kargbo’s shirt was clearly pulled half-way up his back. And as he tried to connect with the ball he ended up going down in need of some attention, but eventually he was able to continue. Half-time: 0-0.
Into the second-half and it was the Sky Blues who were doing most of the attacking in the early stages, which included a 25-yard shot flying just over the crossbar.
Rangers created a good opportunity, but Arkell Jude-Boyd and Hamzad Kargbo got in each-others way, resulting in Dan Rochel making the save.
The R’s took the lead after the ball had fallen to Elijah Dixon-Bonner. The No.7 then sweetly struck the ball into the back of the net.
Then soon after, following a swift breakaway, Danny Cashman’s attempt to round Matteo Salamon was thwarted when the QPR keeper did really well to go down and successfully grab the ball.
At the other end, Hamzad Kargbo fired the ball just wide of the target.
The Sky Blues equalised on the hour mark when Harrison Nee, after turning to his left, smashed the ball beyond Matteo Salamon. This was followed by Charlie Owens being replaced by Alex Aoraha.
Later, Hamzad Kargbo was booked and a minute or so later,Paul Furlong introduced Adam Dougui at the expense of Steven Bala.
City went close to winning the game on two occasions when Matteo Salamon made a very good stop at the near-post, which was followed later in added time by an outstandingsave from close range.
The two final changes had seen Joseph Ajose and Peter Angelov coming on for Rafferty Pedder and Elijah Dixon-Bonner respectively.
Also in attendance at the Powerday Stadium was Richard Langley.
Steve Russell