U23 Report: QPR 3-2 Cardiff City

A battling Cardiff City side missed out on the points after a tough contest against the R’s at Harlington Sports Ground on Monday, 1st October 2018.

Jarred Harvey named three changes to the side that drew to Millwall last time out. Guillermo Torres, Ciaron Brown and James Waite all came into the Bluebirds starting XI.

The hosts started on the front-foot and took the lead inside the first minute. Aramide Oteh burst through on goal but was brought down by ‘keeper Matt Hall; resulting in a penalty. The striker took the spot-kick and fired home to open the scoring.

However their lead was short-lived when the determined visitors responded five minutes later. Defender Ciaron Brown rose highest to expertly head home Jamie Veale’s pinpoint corner delivery to level the game.

First half action continued with a high rate of competitiveness as the R’s pounced on a gifted opportunity to restore their advantage. A miss-timed back-pass from Tyrone Duffus caught the run of Chay Tilt who rifled his effort in off the far post from 20 yards, with 17 minutes played.

Cardiff City searched for an equaliser before the interval and almost drew level through Ibrahim Meite, with 36 minutes gone. Following a swift counter-move, the 22 year old’s low driven shot drifted narrowly wide of the near post from 15 yards.

Harvey’s men started the second half brightly but despite their attacking persistence it was the Hoops who found the back of the net. Tilt surged down the wing before setting up Ilias Chair to composedly finish from 10 yards; shortly before the hour mark.

City almost pulled a goal back as the game approached the final 10 minutes. Meite was played through on goal but his low shot was saved superbly by Marcin Brzozwski. With time running out, the Bluebirds found a life-line when they reduced the deficit from a corner. Jack Bodenham headed home following another exquisite delivery from Veale.

Despite late pressure, the home side held on to secure all three points. The Bluebirds will next face Charlton Athletic at Cardiff City Stadium in their ninth league outing of the campaign on Monday, 15th October.

U23 FINAL SCORE: QUEENS PARK RANGERS 3-2 CARDIFF CITY

Queens Park Rangers: Brzozowski, Felix, Bassong (Wells 37’), Omar, Genovesi; Goss, Owens, Chair; Tilt (Bansal-McNulty 60’), Oteh, Dalling (Walker 72’). Subs not used: Dickinson.

Cardiff City: Hall, P. McKay, Torres, Duffus, Brown (Wooton 46’), Bodenham, Coxe, Veale, Meite, Waite (Humphries 46’), Martin. Subs not used: Duffey.