Colchester United U21 (2) – QPR Development Squad (3) 

U21 Professional Development League 2                                                                                                   

Team: Clark, Friel, McDowell, McCann, Shann, Aoraha, Petrie, Tarbotton, Hassan, Murphy, Kennedy 

Subs: trialist, Leahy, Putman, Manufor, Sanyaolu  

After collecting Sammy and I from the railway station, Colin Woodley then gave us a quick tour of the town before parking up outside the Stadium. 

It was James Sasere who provided the first opportunity of the evening when he drove the ball just wide of the far post. 

Noah McCann became the first player to be booked after the R’s centre-back had tugged an opponent’s shirt. 

QPR’s first attempt at goal came when Harry Murphy’s strike was comfortably held by the keeper. 

The hosts took the lead after 14 minutes. Kaleel Green burst through the middle, and his shot forced a flying save from Conor Clark, but Hakeem Sandah was on hand to belt the ball into the net. 

The Colchester trialist was shown a yellow card after kicking the ball away. 

The U’s doubled their lead after 33 minutes when Max Jolliffe cut in from the left, and from a tight angle, fired the ball into the net.  

Rangers’ second attempt at goal came once again, from Harry Murphy. 

At the other end, Conor Clark made a superb save from Kaleel Green and the follow-up was blasted well over the crossbar. Half-time: 0-2. 

Paul Furlong made three changes for the start of the second-half, which saw the introduction of Jake Leahy, Jaiden Putman and Sam Manufor at the expense of Rocco Friel, Casey Shann and Noah McCann respectively.  

Rangers got off to an assertive start, and Rico Kennedy’s strike from around 25-yards was tipped over the bar by Harrison Chamberlain. 

Then, Harry Murphy’s free kick hit the side-netting.  

The R’s pulled a goal back after 11 minutes, when Jake Leahy scored from close range following good work by Rico Kennedy. 

Max Jolliffe was the next player to be cautioned after a late challenge on Conor Clark.  

The R’s keeper then made a brave grab of the ball amidst a number of players around him. 

As the away side looked for an equaliser, the referee waved play-on following a naughty challenge on Ridwan Hassan and Rico Kennedy’s cross was headed over the bar. The ref then went back to book Frankie Edwards. 

Later, Jack McDowell was shown a yellow card. 

The final Rangers change saw Phil Sanyaolu replace Rico Kennedy. Kieran Petrie then moved over from the right-flank to the left. 

The R’s had certainly been having the best of it, but Colchester had an opportunity to increase their lead when Kaleel Green headed over from Oli Godziemski’s cross. 

Ridwan Hassan was the victim of a heavy challenge in front of us, but the referee didn’t even bother to speak to the culprit! However, Joel Thompson was booked soon after. 

Rangers got a well-deserved equaliser in the 88^th minute, when Kieran Petrie slotted the ball home.  

There was even more drama in added time when a big shout went-up for handball. The referee pointed to the spot, but there was then some delay because one of the U’s players was down in the centre-circle. 

After receiving some attention, Harry Murphy stepped up and although the keeper managed to get a hand to the ball, he couldn’t keep it out.  

There was still time for Alfie Bendle to be booked. 

Paul Furlong’s side then travelled to the Rogers Family Stadium to take on Harrow Borough in a London Senior Cup tie. 

Steve Russell