QPR Development Squad (1) – Hendon (1) – Rangers go through 2-1 on Penalties 

Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup 

Team: Halliday, Sandiford, Moore, Balogun, Cuthbert, Wiles, McAvoy, Neill, Oluwabusola, Sanyaolu, Neziri 

Subs: Fittall, Edouard-Marisson, Majesty, Brunson, Kennedy 

Joe English told me that Frankie Beckles was making his debut in goal because the regular keeper was unavailable after being sent off on Saturday. 

The R’s starting line-up included the five substitutes from the previous evening, with all four outfield players being involved at some point. 

The first shot on target was provided by the Greens, and their next attempt came shortly after when a shot was blocked in the box. 

Then, Sam Shaban skipped his way into the box, before Isaiah Balogun was on hand to put the ball behind for a corner. The visitors were certainly having the best of the early stages. 

Hendon’s next attempt came from their captain, Shaun Lucien, around the half-hour mark. His free kick from a good 25 yards was superbly finger-tipped onto the crossbar. 

On 38 minutes, Joel Halliday made another excellent save at the near-post after Floria Envou-Ada had let fly. 

At the other end a couple of minutes later, Enis Neziri’s shot at goal ended up going behind. But before the corner could be taken, Shaquille Sandiford had to be taken off and was replaced by Rico Kennedy. 

Earlier, Nkhai Majesty had come on for Kyreece Moore who looked as if he may have dislocated his shoulder? 

Two goal-scoring opportunities for the R’s came in added time. Rico Kennedy’s strike from a widish position went close. 

And the second attempt arrived after the winger’s cross found James McAvoy, whose header went behind for a second corner. 

The third successive corner concluded with Rico Kennedy shooting past the far post. Half-time: 0-0. 

For the start of the second-half, Philip Sanyaolu made way for Kalen Brunson. 

Joel Halliday made a brave save following a loose ball, which ended up going behind for a corner. 

And just seconds later, the R’s keeper managed to keep out Victor Ferrini’s point-blank attempt with his legs. 

On 66 minutes, with Halliday down in need of some attention, the players took a drinks break.  

However, Mr Ansher eventually lost patience with the Rangers players, and he signaled a re-start which prompted them to rush back on again. 

The deadlock was broken on 72 minutes after Joel Halliday had instigated a swift Rangers breakaway.  

Recipient Kalen Brunson, then raced upfield and despite being impeded en route, he kept going before finally being brought down in the box. 

Gabriel Oluwabusola stepped and made no mistake with his spot-kick. 

The final change came on 76 minutes when Kemuel Edouard-Marrison was introduced at the expense of Enis Neziri. 

With around ten minutes remaining, J’ardell Stirling equalised for the Greens following a corner. 

After the hosts had been awarded a free kick, Sam Shaban was booked for standing over the ball. 

Frankie Beckles finger-tipped Gabriel Oluwabusola’s low shot away before the flag went up for offside. 

Into added time and Mr Ansher cautioned someone on the Hendon bench.  

The Greens came close to a winner in the final stages, but some frantic defending in the box and Joel Halliday’s eventual save denied them. 

The Rangers keeper made a superb point-blank save at the near post before the final whistle was blown. The players then prepared themselves for a penalty shoot-out. 

1. First up was Gabriel Oluwabusola, whose spot-kick was punched away. 

2. Hendon substitute Cole’s Keagan had his attempt saved. 

3. As was Kemuel Edouard-Marison-Marisson’s. 

4. Then, Joel Halliday successfully kept out Niko Muir-Merchant’s strike. 

5. But R’s captain, Fraser Neill, made no mistake with his spot-kick, 1-0. 

6. Florian Envou-Ada then stepped up and made it all-square. 

7. Kalen Brunson’s shot hit the crossbar. 

8. As did Hendon’s Sam Shaban. 

9. Rico Kennedy made no mistake to put the R’s noses in front, 2-1. 
   
10. It was all over after J’ardell Stirling’s effort hit the crossbar. 

I must mention that Hendon must have amassed over twenty corners during the course of the match. 

The R’s went on to face Broadfields United in the next round. 

Steve Russell