London Senior Cup Final
Team: Salamon, Putman, Adjetey-Brew, Smith, Wilkie, Dyke, Sanyaolu, Alemayehu, Dillon, Pearman, Scarlett
Subs: Taylor, Tarbotton, Neill, Brunson, Hassan
Attendance: 2,880
After disposing of Cheshunt in the semi-final, the R’s then travelled to the Champion Hill Stadium, the home of Dulwich Hamlet.
Whether nerves were affecting some of the players, but I have to say it was a very sloppy start for the R’s.
The first shot on target was provided by Lonit Talla when his strike was aimed directly at Matteo Salamon.
It was no surprise when the Hamlet took the lead in the 10th minute. After giving the ball away, Danny Mills then fired it into the back of the net.
This prompted the Rangers players to gather into a huddle, and gradually they began to grow into the game.
The first shot flew over the crossbar, which was followed by Cian Dillon challenging the keeper, but it was Toby Ball who got to it first.
A good run by Leon Scarlett resulted in the R’s winger cutting in and shooting just wide of the target.
Rangers got a deserved equaliser in the 23rd minute, when Jaiden Putman smashed the ball into the net.
Then, after receiving the ball from Philip Sanyaolu, Isak Alemayehu’s first-time shot was successfully held by the keeper.
At the other end, Luke Wanadio’s powerful attempt was fired at Matteo Salamon.
This was followed by Mr O’Meara booking Jordan Wynter.
Nyren Clunis’ angled shot forced Matteo Salamon into a flying save at the near post.
Mr O’Meara blew the half-time whistle after three added minutes.
Into the second-half, and Philip Sanyaolu’s low cross picked out Jaylan Pearman, whose close-range effort ended up going just over the bar.
For the Hamlet, Lonit Talla’s free kick over to Luke Wanadio, resulted in Matteo Salamon parrying the ball away.
Rangers took the lead after Cian Dillon’s brilliant run got him to the bye-line, where he squared the ball to Jaylan Pearman, who did the rest.
Anthony Hayes’ first change came on 65 minutes when Cory Adjetey-Brew made way for Fraser Neill.
The R’s were now well on top, and a third goal soon followed. Jaylan Pearman headed towards the penalty area before smashing the ball into the bottom corner.
Teddy Tarbotton was introduced after 72 minutes at the expense of Isak Alemayehu.
Later, over on the other side of the pitch, the Rangers substitute was down for some time being treated by the physio.
As he was being helped off, Mr O’Meara showed him a yellow card! This led to Kalen Brunson replacing him on 85 minutes.
QPR increased their lead in the 87th minute, when Alex Wilkie headed in a corner at the far post.
Nine added minutes were indicated.
Kalen Brunson had the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for offside.
But there was still time for Jaylan Pearman to complete his hat-trick.
Ridwan Hassan had come on for Cian Dillon during the added time period.
As the cup was lifted, players and fans celebrated together as one.
Well done to Anthony Hayes, the coaching staff and all the players.
Steve Russell