U21 Professional Development Squad League 2
Team: Cant, Drewe, Kakay, Rendall, Hawkins, Sackey, Fawunmi (t), Murphy, Jeche, Talla, Anthony
Subs: Clark, Leahy, Tuck, Pedder, Bala
The team sheet revealed a trialist at No.7, Favour Fawunmi.
Into the game and it was Micah Anthony who, after cutting in from the wing and into the box, his shot received a slight deflection as it headed towards goal.
In the 9th minute, the R’s No.11 put in a great ball to Nathan Jeche and the R’s striker then side-footed his shot just wide of the upright.
Michah Anthony was involved again after 25 minutes when his strike closely evaded the far post.
The Hornets took the lead against the run of play three minutes later, when Michael Adu-Poku’s shot dipped into the top corner.
As the R’s looked for an equaliser, Jonathan Macaulay spilled Harry Murphy’s shot, but no one was following up and the ball was cleared to safety.
Mr Hatzidakis booked James Claridge as Micah Anthony attempted to fly past him. Harry Murphy’s free kick was then headed behind. The subsequent corner ended up close to the goal-line before being kicked away.
It was the home side who continued to have the best of it, and before the break Favour Fawunmi fired his shot just past the post. Half-time: 0-1.
After the interval, Rangers carried on from where they had left off.
A reckless challenge by James Claridge from just outside the area resulted in a second yellow and the departure of the Hornets No.6.
On the hour mark, Paul Furlong introduced Steven Bala and Jake Leahy at the expense of Nathan Jeche and Osman Kakay respectively.
Samuel Sackey got himself into space 20 yards out but fired his effort just wide of the upright.
At the other end, Harry Cant made a superb double save, the first one with his legs.
A great ball from Favour Fawunmi was picked up by Steven Bala in his stride, who then went on to shoot into the side-netting.
Micah Anthony switched wings and Rafferty Pedder replaced Lorent Talla after 75 minutes.
As the R’s prepared to take a corner, it looked as if Mr Hatzidakis had gone over to book Paul Furlong? This was later followed by Trent Rendall receiving a caution.
Alistair Gould was the next player to be shown a yellow card. The Watford defender was guilty of time wasting.
In added time, a Favour Fawunmi effort was cleared off the line.
Despite the Rangers pressure, the visitors held on to claim all three points.
Steve Russell