Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

The Indy R's Northern correspondent (Kerrins) will be there with his notebook
& sharpened pencils. This is what happened at the home tie....

QPR Development Squad (2) – Blackburn Rovers U21 (1)
Premier League Cup

Team: Salamon, Putman, Leahy, McCann, McDowell, Wiles, Kennedy, Talla, Vaughan, Murphy, Coomes
Subs: Halliday, Manufor, Neill, Petrie, Ashamu

Under the lights at the SkyEx Community Stadium and it was the visitors who created a good opportunity
when Adam Caddick had set-up Aodhan Doherty, but Jaiden Putman was well-placed to block the shot.

At the other end, Rico Kennedy’s cross from the right was headed wide by Rohan Vaughan.

Then for Blackburn, Harry Leonard screwed the ball wide from a position in the penalty area.

It had been a fairly even encounter up until Rovers were awarded a penalty after 18-minutes. Jaiden Putman
had bundled over Lewis Bel and Harry Leonard stepped up to place the ball straight down the centre.

The Rovers keeper often took up a position that made him a virtual sweeper!

For the R’s, Rohan Vaughan’s strike flashed wide of the upright.

In the closing stages, Mr Parkinson booked Freddie Leatherbarrow, seemingly for a dangerous high challenge
and Jake Coomes’ shot whizzed just wide of the post. Half-time: 0-1.

Robin Ashamu replaced Rohan Vaughan for the commencement of the second-half.

The away side were awarded a second penalty within a minute or so. But this time Harry Leonard smashed his
spot-kick against the crossbar.

Rangers drew level after 55 minutes. A superb ball found Jake Coomes and the R’s No.11 then rounded the
keeper before tapping the ball into an empty net.

Following a great run by Rico Kennedy, the Rangers’ winger then cut-in and shot into the keeper’s gloves.

And straight after, Matteo Salamon made a superb save to keep the score level.

An excellent move down the left-flank resulted in Rico Kennedy breaking it down and bringing the ball out to safety.

On 68 minutes, Paul Furlong brought on Fraser Neill.

This was soon followed by Harry Leonard firing his shot from outside the box against the corner of the bar/post.

The home side took the lead on 72 minutes. After Harry Murphy had collected a great through-ball, the R’s captain
slotted the ball home.

Blackburn went close to an equaliser after a ball squared from the right was knocked just wide of the upright.

Following a superb Rangers move, Jake Coomes set-up Robin Ashamu in the box, and his shot ended up coming off
the post.

Harley O’Grady-Macken was shown a yellow card after a naughty challenge.

On 83 minutes, Kieran Petrie was introduced at the expense of Rico Kennedy.

In the closing stages, Jake Leahy was booked, and after requiring some attention, Harry Murphy passed over the
captain’s armband as he went off. Sam Manufor replaced him.

Rangers successfully negotiated the seven added minutes, and this decisive victory put them five points
clear of the group.

Steve Russell

[Steve Russell]

And some info from the Club....

'QPR Development Squad are on the road this Monday evening, travelling to take on Blackburn Rovers Under-21s
in the Premier League Cup.
Kick-off at the Lancashire FA's County Ground is at 7pm.

This is both Rangers and Blackburn's final Group E fixture in this season's Premier League Cup competition.

Paul Furlong's young R's will finish top of the group regardless of tonight's result and have therefore already
qualified for the knockout stages. Rovers require all three points to leapfrog Colchester United U21s in second
place and also qualify.

Rangers go into this game following a 7-0 league win over Colchester last time out. Blackburn - whose U21s compete
in Premier League 2 - were beaten 3-1 by their Manchester City counterparts.

How to follow
Supporters wishing to attend tonight's fixture are welcome to do so.

We will be providing updates on our dedicated X account, @QPRAcademy.

A match report will follow the game on www.qpr.co.uk.

Full address: The County Ground, Thurston Road, Leyland, PR25 2LF.

[steveqpr881]

The Indy R's Northern correspondent (Kerrins) will be there with his notebook & sharpened pencils.

But will he though??
We all know young kerrins doesn't like to turn out in cold weather.
And Blackburn on a cold Monday night is (as the saying goes) no country for old men.

[Kerrins]

I will be there. Thanks to our Manchester Labour Mayor Andy Burnham insisting that Night Buses
resume in the North Manchester Area after a lapse of nearly 12 years! Otherwise I would not fancy a
4 mile walk home from Bolton town centre......or a twenty quid taxi fare.

When I text in my updates from the game you will have to make allowances for some lack of detail because
Martin B. will not be there and he knows all the players far better than me

[Steve Russell]

Team: Halliday, Putman, McCann, McDowell, Leahy, Tuck,
Petrie, Talla, Murphy, Sutton, Vaughan
Subs: Loades, Manufor, Sanyaolu, Dillon, O'Brien

[Steve Russell]

Attendance approx 200, with at least four other R's fans & Joel Halliday's
Gran....

[Steve Russell]

0-0 HT.....

[Steve Russell]

2nd half, great save Halliday, Blackburn hit the post, 1st change Manufor for
McDowell 50 mins....

[Steve Russell]

Three more changes.....Sanyaolu, Dillon on for Petrie and Tuck..
and Dillon for Murphy 73 mins.

We are mainly on the back-foot...

[Steve Russell]

Talla drags a shot wide 87 mins...