QPR U18 (0) – Cardiff City U18 (2)

U18 Professional Development League 2

Team: Fittall, McAvoy, Moore, Cuthbert, Majesty, Neill, Kennedy, Neziri, Oluwabusola, Scarlett, Trujillo

Subs: Wright, Boddy, Brunson, Whitehead, trialist

We noticed that there were only three subs on the bench, and that the other two would most probably make their way over from the U16’s match which was taking place on the adjacent pitch.

Just ninety seconds into the game, and following Enis Neziri’s pass to Rico Kennedy, the R’s No.7’s cross was met by Gabriel Oluwabusola’s flying header, which flew just wide.

At the other end, Riley Hilaire-Clarke’s low-strike was well stopped by Alfie Fittall’s legs.

After winning the ball, Gabriel Oluwabusola set-off towards goal but he was clearly impeded en route by T-Jay Okoli-Parfitt.

Not surprisingly Mr Oakes showed him a red card. Enis Neziri’s free kick was then headed over the crossbar.

On 31 minutes, Enis Neziri’s shot from just outside the box, was comfortably held by the keeper.

His next attempt came seven minutes later, and this time Samuel Jones made a very good save. The follow-up was knocked wide of the target.

Then on 41 minutes, Ashley Trujillo’s strike from 20-odd yards smashed against the crossbar.

Just before the interval, the Cardiff captain, Harry Watts, curled one just wide of the target.

Goalless at half-time, but we were told that the U16’s were leading 2-0 at the break.

For the start of the second-half, Gabriel Oluwabusola made way for Josh Wright.

Kyreece Moore was booked, and from a widish position, Tiger Tobin’s free kick came to nothing.

For the R’s, after Ashley Trujillo had weaved his way through the box, his shot was then saved.

The visitors took the lead on 55 minutes. Jack Sykes’s header was initially saved but the Cardiff striker was well-placed to finish.

A deep cross into the box found Fraser Neill at the far-post and his header flashed just wide of the target.

Then, Ashley Trujillo’s ball-in from near the far-post, was knocked wide by an unmarked Josh Wright. 

And for the Bluebirds, Leeyon Phelan’s low-strike just evaded the upright.

Further changes were made on 63 minutes, which saw the introduction of Kalen Brunson and the trialist at the expense of Kyreece Moore and Ashley Trujillo respectively. Rico Kennedy then moved over to the left-wing.

The visitors could well have doubled their lead but for the intervention of the Rangers captain, Gabriel Cuthbert, who did well to then go on and clear the ball to safety.

The final changes were made on 72 minutes when Harvey Boddy and William Whitehead replaced James McAvoy and Leon Scarlett respectively.

After the Bluebirds had counter-attacked in numbers, Jack Sykes made it 2-0 for the visitors. Later, Logan Cartwright was booked.

Cardiff defended well throughout, and the final whistle signaled their fifth straight league win of the season.

Steve Russell