Team: Salamon, Jude-Boyd, McCann, Harrack, Fox, Gape, Murphy, Bala, Smyth, Kolli, Petrie
Sub Not Used: Cant
Attendance: 382
An interesting starting line-up at the Powerday Stadium included recent signings Morgan Fox and Paul Smyth.
The match eventually got underway at 7.20pm and with less than a minute in, it was the home side that went close to opening the scoring. A free kick was deflected en route to goal, but Matteo Salamon managed to get down and hold onto the ball.
A great run by Paul Smyth concluded with a good ball into the box, but no one was able to get on the end of it.
In the 13th minute, following a trip on a Hanwell player just outside the box, Bernie Tanner stepped up and his free kick received a deflection before entering the net.
On 28 minutes, as the lively Geordies No.7 burst through, Matteo Salamon was forced down to make a brave save. The R’s keeper then denied another good effort from the same player.
Rangers nabbed an equaliser a few minutes before the break after a foul on Paul Smyth just outside the box. Harry Murphy swung the free kick over towards the far post, where Rayan Kolli was on hand to nod the ball in from close range. Half-time: 1-1.
Two changes were made for the resumption of play, which saw Alfie Tuck replace Dominic Gape and Paul Smyth madeway for a trialist.
The early stages of the second-half produced very little for either side.
But Rangers took the lead in the 63rd minute when Steven Bala took a touch in the box before spinning round and banging the ball past the keeper.
Following a deep cross from the left, after Matteo Salamon had pushed the ball away, he collided with an opponent and then required some attention.
The tempo picked up considerably in the final period of the game and the R’s keeper made further excellent saves.
A minute or so from the ninety, George Legg did well when he tipped Steven Bala’s powerful shot over the crossbar.
The final three changes were made earlier in the half when Jake Leahy, Sam Sackey and a trialist came on for Noah McCann, Morgan Fox and Rayan Kolli respectively.
The Development Squad take on the South African side, Supersport United U21’s next, in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Heston.
Thanks to Joe English for the lift home.
Steve Russell