QPR Development Squad (2) – Wigan Athletic U21 (3)

U21 Professional Development Squad League 2

Team: Salamon, Friel, Dyke, Leahy, Adjetey-Brew, Neill, Sanyaolu, Tarbotton, Hassan, O’Brien, Scarlett

Subs: Warren, Pullella, Sandiford, Neziri, Wright

On a damp afternoon at the TSG Training Centre, Archie O’Brien provided Rangers’ first attempt, when his shot narrowly evaded the target.

This was followed by Leon Scarlett’s angled strike going just wide of the far post.

Then, the young R’s winger knocked the ball towards Ridwan Hassan, who, whilst under pressure, took it on his chest and belted it into the bottom corner. 

Rangers doubled their lead a couple of minutes later. Leon Scarlett timed his run perfectly into the box, before stretching forward to put away Teddy Tarbotton’s cross.

As the R’s looked for a third, Philip Sanyaolu cut in and his strike forced a flying save from Matteo Spinelli and the ball ended up going for a corner.

At the other end, a deep cross from the right found Cole Simms at the far post, but his header ended up in Matteo Salamon’s gloves.

Following a corner, Matteo Spinelli made an amazing point-blank save from Teddy Tarbotton. 

Leon Scarlett, whilst under pressure and then grounded, got up again, still in control of the ball, and successfully laid it off. Half-time: 2-0.

Adam Moseley’s attempt from inside the box was well saved by Matteo Salamon.

Mr Morgan then booked Cole Simms for diving in the penalty area.

Wigan pulled a goal back against the run of play around the hour mark, following a cross from the left, and Adam Moseley volleyed the ball into the net. 

For the R’s, Philip Sanyaolu’s low strike was saved.

Two changes were made on 68 minutes, which saw the introduction of Christian Pullella and Enis Neziri at the expense of Rocco Friel and Teddy Tarbotton respectively. 

Cole Simms equalised for the visitors almost immediately after.

Following a cross from the right, Matteo Spinelli did well to knock Leon Scarlett’s header behind.

Into the final ten minutes and Fraser Neill was shown a straight red card after a late challenge on an opponent. 

The Latics winner came following Cole Simms’ cross. After Matteo Salamon had tried to punch it away, the ball ended up in the net.

Before the re-start, Archie O’Brien made way for Josh Wright on 85 minutes.

Substitute Charley McKee was booked following a challenge from behind.

Rangers had a late attempt to equalise when Ridwan Hassan’s header was well saved by the keeper. 

Mr Morgan blew the final whistle after six added minutes.

The Development Squad went on to face AFC Bournemouth at the TSG Training Centre. 

Steve Russell