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[Steve Russell]

The Development Squad take on Coventry City at Heston tomorrow at 2pm.
My report from two years ago....

QPR Development Squad (4) – Coventry City U21 (2) – And a Hat-Trick for Steven Bala
U21 Professional Development League 2

Team: Salamon, Jude-Boyd, Shann, Harrack, Gubbins, Clarke-Salter, Murphy, Aoraha, Bala,
Dixon-Bonner, Pedder

After a fairly even start at the Powerday Stadium, thirteen minutes in and Kayden Harrack was #
the first player of the evening to be booked. The resulting free kick from around 25-yards was blasted
well over the crossbar.

Around the half-hour mark, Paul Furlong brought on Henry Hawkins at the expense of Arkell Jude-Boyd.

Then, minutes later, the R’s took the lead after Steven Bala’s shot was deflected into the back of the net.

On 38 minutes, Matteo Salamon made an excellent save to deny the visitors.

Then, soon after, following a great run down the right-flank, Harry Murphy’s cross into the box was met by
Steven Bala, who proceeded to put the ball beyond Luke Bell.

However, the Sky Blues pulled a goal back just before the break. Matteo Salamon saved Evan Eghosa’s initial
effort, and after the ball had come off the post, the City No.7 was on hand to finish. Half-time: 2-1.

Lorent Talla replaced Jake Clarke-Salter for the start of the second-half.

After Steven Bala had turned his marker, the Rangers No.9 fired his shot directly at the City keeper.

At the other end, Matteo Salamon made an outstanding point-blank save from Tom Costello.

Then, Danny Cashman’s powerful shot from around 20-yards forced the R’s keeper into making a flying save
and the ball went behind for a corner.

After 59 minutes, Nathan Jeche came on for Rafferty Pedder.

I think it was Tom Costello who equalised for the Sky Blues three minutes later when he successfully headed
in Evan Eghosa’s deep cross.

After Bradley Stretton had committed a foul, the City No.3 then kicked the ball away and was duly booked.
Alex Aoraha’s subsequent free kick into the box somehow evaded everyone.

On 69 minutes, Evan Eghosa was the next Coventry player to be yellow-carded following a heavy challenge.
#And the final R’s change was made when Kieran Petrie replaced Elijah Dixon-Bonner.

Justin Obikwu was cautioned for a naughty tackle on an R’s player and he also injured himself in the process.

Rangers re-took the lead in the 83rd minute when Lorent Talla set-up Nathan Jeche, who despite being under
some pressure, he kept going and shot past Luke Bell.

Steven Bala completed his hat-trick in added time when he poked the ball into the back of the net.

Amongst those looking on was David Pleat.

Steve Russell

[Steve Russell]

U18s kick off at 11am v Crewe....
My report from 2022.....

QPR U18 (1) – Crewe Alexandra U18 (3)
U18 Professional Development League 2

Team: Cant, Luzinda, Leahy, Tuck, Anthony, McDonald, Murphy, Brown, Kolli, Sackey, Bala
Subs: Zapieraczynski, Manufor, Dougi, Talla

On the team sheet at No.4 for the R’s was 15-year-old Alfie Tuck, who I was told, had played in
an international tournament for Wales.

I was also informed that eight of the Crewe side had already played during the season for their U23’s.

In very windy conditions in Heston, it was the visitors who fashioned the first effort of the morning,
although, it posed no real threat for Harry Cant as he comfortably gathered the ball.

The Railwaymen were awarded a free kick from which Matus Holicek fed Charlie Finney, whose cross
ended up going behind. The resulting corner was played short and came to nothing.

As Matus Holicek absolutely smashed the ball goalwards, the wind caught it and brought off a great
save from Harry Cant.

Despite this initial pressure from the away side, it was the R’s who took the lead after Steven Bala
had won the ball.

He then found Rayan Kolli who knocked the ball to his left to set up Harry Murphy in space.
The Rangers captain then proceeded to slot the ball into the net.

Around the half-hour mark, Tom Booth was forced down to smother Rayan Kolli’s low effort.

Whilst at the other end, Elijah Anthony made a great interception to avert the danger.

The visitors equalised after around 35-minutes following a free kick from a position wide of the box.
As the ball was knocked in, Ben Woop got a touch from around the six-yard box.

Adam Dougi replaced Steven Bala a few minutes before the break and there was just enough time for
Ben Woop to give the Railwaymen the lead. Half-time: 1-2.

As Rangers looked for an equaliser, Harry Murphy’s cross from the left found Samuel Sackey, who then
turned and struck the ball on the half-volley. This forced a superb save from Tom Booth who also did well
to stop the ball from going behind.

But seconds later, Harry Cant made an excellent one-on-one save from Ben Woop to deny the visitors a third
goal.

Lorent Talla was brought on around the hour mark at the expense of Alfie Tuck and shortly after that Elijah
Anthony made way for Sam Manufor.

Mr Anastasiou awarded a free kick to the home side and then booked Crewe’s No.4 Owen Lunt for holding on to
the ball. As players from both sides got involved he also showed Samuel Sackey a yellow card for his response.
The referee then spoke to other players in order to calm the situation.

The Railwaymen sealed their victory following a long ball to Matus Holicek. The Crewe No.10 took control of the
ball before hitting it low past the R’s keeper and into the corner of the net.

In the final stages, Adam Dougi’s through ball set up Lorent Talla but his effort was comfortable held by Tom Booth

Then Holicek broke away for the visitors and ended up shooting wide. Shortly after, Mr Anastasiou blew the final
whistle.

Steve Russell