West Bromwich Albion U21 (1) – QPR Development Squad (0) 

Premier League Cup 

Team: Warren, Putman, Smith, Wilkie, Leahy, Tuck, Dyke, Pearman, Hassan, Alemayehu, Coomes 

Subs: Taylor, Street, Tarbotton, Sanyaolu, O’Brien 

I have to say that I was more than surprised when it was announced that this cup tie against West Brom would be played at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. 

The athletics stadium has a seated capacity of 18,000 and for major events this can be increased to 20,000, or even 40,000 as it was in 2022 for the Commonwealth Games. 

Impressive as it is as a venue, in my opinion it’s clearly not suited for football. 

Sammy collected Chris Hewitt & I from Park Royal, and despite Aston Villa playing a couple of miles away, we still made it to the ground in good time.  

The Baggies took the lead on seven minutes, following a swift counter-attack, after seizing upon a loose ball. Charlie Warren did well to parry Eseosa Sule’s initial attempt, but Remar McNeil was following up to finish. 

At the other end, Jaiden Putman’s dangerous cross ended up going for a corner. 

Then, in the 18th minute, a low ball from the right towards Ridwan Hassan, was put behind by a West Brom defender. 

Mr Walchester booked Kevin Mfuamba for a late challenge on Ridwan Hassan, which was later followed by R’s captain, Kaleb Dyke, also being shown a yellow card. 

Into the three added minutes and Eseosa Sule was the next player to be cautioned. Half-time: 0-1.

Isak Alemayehu was booked after the break for tugging an opponent’s shirt. 

The hosts went close to doubling their lead following a corner, when the ball was cleared off the line. 

Then, after Remar McNeil had cut in from the right, he pulled the trigger, forcing Charlie Warren into making a superb save.  

Later, Alex Wilkie was booked and shortly after Archie O’Brien replaced Alfie Tuck.  

Rangers had grown into the half, but that said, Ben Cisse was hardly troubled. 

Jake Coomes was the next player to be cautioned, seemingly for dissent? 

Charlie Warren made another excellent save when he kept out a low, first-time strike. 

The next change was made on 72 minutes when Ridwan Hassan made way for Philip Sanyaolu. 

Rangers’ first attempt on target was provided by Jake Coomes. 

The R’s were reduced to ten when Isak Alemayehu was shown second yellow card after he had got involved with a grounded Baggies player! 

With Charlie Warren down in need of some attention, the players took a drinks break. 

The final change was made after 80-odd minutes when Teddy Tarbotton was introduced at the expense of Jake Leahy. 

Philip Sanyaolu did well to produce a cross at the bye-line, and as Jake Coomes sprung up to make contact, Ben Cisse grabbed the ball.  

Charlie Warren made a superb reflex save from Souleyman Mandey, after the ball had been given away. 

Teddy Tarbotton was booked, and after seven added minutes, Mr Walchester blew the final whistle. 

Also looking on was Andy Sinton. The attendance only amounted to around 80 fans! 

It was back to league action the following week when the Development Squad faced Cardiff City at the TSG Training Centre. 

Steve Russell