U18 Professional Development League 2
Team: Taylor, Skeete, Moore, Mitchell-Abadom, Sandiford, Ikoroha, McAvoy, Whitehead, Edouard-Marrison, McCormack, Poku
Subs: McKenna, Liverpool, McNeil
On an extremely hot morning at Heston, it was the Railwaymen who created the first opportunity of the match. A long ball from Ethan Roberts into the box was headed wide of the target.
The visitors then took the lead following Ethan Roberts’ cross from the right, picking out Noah Pinder who proceeded to slot the ball home from close range.
At the other end, Giovanni Ikoroha couldn’t quite reach James McAvoy’s low cross and the ball ended up going for a corner.
Rangers’ first shot on target was provided by Rory McCormack, but lacking power, Dominic James was able to go down and smother it.
Then, finding himself in space, Kemuel Edouard-Marrison shot at goal instead of setting up James McAvoy who was in a better position.
The first drinks break was taken on 22 minutes.
The R’s equalised when Edouard-Marrison’s cross was side-footed home by William Poku.
This was a productive period for the home side. The next attempt on goal came after Will Whitehead had burst forward and his shot narrowly cleared the crossbar.
A few minutes later, James McAvoy got himself into a good position before shooting just wide of the post.
A lovely reverse ball by Kyreece Moore resulted in a Rangers player’s shot going just over the bar.
Following a cross from the left, Kasey Taylor made an outstanding point-blank save from an opponent’s header.
This was followed by Dominic James making a very good save from James McAvoy’s attempt with his legs and the follow-up hitting the uptight.
A minute or so from the interval, a superb low, scissors type challenge by Izik Mitchell-Abadom on the edge of the box, won him the ball and averted the danger. Half-time: 1-1.
Into the second-half and a excellent interception by Shaquille Sandiford in the penalty area stopped what could well have been a certain goal for the visitors. The ball ended up going behind for a goal-kick.
The R’ captain Mason Skeete, was replaced by Sam McKenna and Will Whitehead then slotted in at right-back. Whilst this was going on, an early drinks break took place.
The next change saw Ky’Len McNeill coming on for Kyreece Moore.
There was the occasional welcome breeze, but as the temperature continued to climb, play was halted for more drinks.
The Railwaymen got their noses in front following a bit of a scramble in the box and despite a number of opportunities to clear the ball, Vaughan-Evans knocked it in, seemingly with his leg.
Edouard-Marrison did well to take control of the ball, turn, and lay it off safely, whilst having his shirt tugged.
As Crewe looked to increase their lead, the R’s keeper did really well to hold on to Ethan Roberts’ low strike at goal.
Then, soon after in the closing stages, Kasey Taylor made two excellent saves in less than a minute.
At the final whistle we were instructed to wait in the car park ahead of the Development Squad’s match against Coventry City.
Steve Russell