U21 Professional Development League 2 

Team: Warren, Putman, Adjetey-Brew, Balogun, Majesty, Dyke, Neill, O’Brien, Kennedy, Hassan, Neziri 

Subs: Halliday, Moore, Sandiford, Oluwabusola, McAvoy 

Watford came close to opening the scoring at Loftus Road, after Zavier Massiah-Edwards had reached the ball before the advancing keeper, but his chip went wide of the target. 

At the other end, a cross from the left found Ridwan Hassan in the box, but his attempt lacked power, and Alfie Marriott was able to comfortably collect the ball.  

The Hornets first shot on target was provided by Amar Sanghrajka, who aimed it directly at Charlie Warren. 

After Tobi Adeyemo was impeded in a wide-left position, the resulting free kick concluded with Joshua Keyes firing wide of the upright. 

With the sun poking through, and with Amar Sanghrajka down in need of some attention, the players took a drinks break. 

The home side were awarded a free kick after 28 minutes. Enis Neziri’s cross into the box evaded everyone apart from Joshua Mullins who sliced the ball behind for a corner.  

With the interval approaching, Mr Barnett booked Joshua Keyes following a foul on Fraser Neill. Half-time: 0-0. 

Paul Furlong made three changes for the start of the second-half, which saw the introduction of James McAvoy, Shaquille Sandiford and Gabriel Oluwabusola at the expense of Jaiden Putman, Isaiah Balogun and Rico Kennedy respectively. 

This then led to Oluwabusola joining Hassan upfront. 

Following a good run by Cory Adjetey-Brew, the resulting cross was headed behind for a Rangers corner. 

On 51 minutes, Max Smith’s cross from the right was headed just wide by Tobi Adeyemo.  

Joshua Keyes was lucky to get away with a second booking after his naughty challenge on Fraser Neill! Not surprisingly, he was replaced by Nickson Okusun shortly after. 

A few minutes later, substitute, James McAvoy provided a superb challenge just before the ball was about to be played into the Rangers box. 

Charlie Warren made an excellent point-blank save from Amar Sanghrajka’s powerful header, and he then did equally well to recover the ball.  

The final substitution was made in the 66th minute when Kyreece Moore replaced the R’s captain, Kaleb Dyke. 

A minute or so later, Albert Eames’ strike from just outside the box, closely evaded the crossbar.  

The pass of the match came when Archie O’Brien curled the ball from distance over to his right-wing team-mate. 

For the Hornets, Nickson Okosun’s close range attempt ran along the front of the goal-line before going out for a throw-in. 

Fraser Neill was shown a yellow card following an infringement in the centre-circle. 

On 78 minutes, Enis Neziri’s low-drive forced the keeper down to grab the ball. 

The visitors really should have taken the lead after Oliver Stephenson had burst forward. His cross picked-out Cayden Lamothe in space, but he somehow completely missed the target! 

Rangers took the lead in the 85th minute after Archie O’Brien’s pass got to Cory Adjetey-Brew. The R’s No.2’s low cross found Gabriel Oluwabusola, who then fired the ball into the corner.  

However, Watford equalised a minute or two later, following Cayden Lamothe’s cross into the box.  Remiero Moulton’s attempt received a deflection before entering the net.  

As both sides looked to secure a winner, Enis Neziri’s header was well saved by Alfie Marriott.  

And for the Hornets, in added time, Cayden Lamothe’s shot flew just over the crossbar.  

The R’s then made the short journey to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford. 

Steve Russell