U21 Professional Development League 2
Team: Salamon, Kakay, Leahy, Hawkins, Rendall, Tuck, Ajose, Murphy, Vaughan (t), Pedder, Anthony
Subs: Cant, Putman, Sackey, Young, Jeche
A couple of minutes into the game, Rafferty Pedder broke-away down the left-flank before firing his shot into the side-netting.
The home side continued to have best of it for the next 20 minutes or so.
Matteo Salamon had to quickly come off his line to clear the ball following a swift Millwall counter-attack.
After Trent Rendall clearly fouled Henry Hearn, Mr Blair decided to book the Millwall player!
Rangers took the lead after 26 minutes when Rafferty Pedder’s cross from the left was met by Joseph Ajose’s glancing header.
Jake Leahy was shown a yellow card after 31 minutes following a trip on an opponent.
As the away side looked for an equaliser, an angled strike hit the side-netting.
Henry Hearn got away with receiving a second yellow following a naughty challenge on Trent Rendall. Probably retribution for that previous incident, he just received a strong lecture from the referee.
Rangers doubled their lead just before the break when Micah Anthony smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. Half-time: 2-0.
The Lions pulled a goal back minutes after the interval. After Matteo Salamon was adjudged to have brought down an opponent, Mr Blair pointed to the spot and the R’s keeper was in need of some attention.
After a short delay, Nana Boateng stepped up and planted the ball into the bottom corner.
Nathan Jeche replaced Haydon Vaughan around the hour mark.
A great ball to the on-rushing Micah Anthony resulted in his effort being well-held by George Evans.
Trent Rendall was shown a yellow card, and then in the 75th minute, good work by Rafferty Pedder won him a corner.
Harry Murphy’s cross towards the near post was back-flicked by Nathan Jeche and the ball ended up just wide of the target.
Matteo Salamon somehow stopped a fiery Millwall effort with his forehead!
At the other end, Micah Anthony’s angled strike was well saved by George Evans.
Just before the final whistle, Rafferty Pedder burst through the middle, and after getting into the box, his effort was well saved.
Earlier, Samuel Sackey was introduced at the expense of Joseph Ajose.
This win meant that Paul Furlong’s side leap-frogged the Lions to take top spot.
Steve Russell