Brentford - QPR Youth Team Report

QPR Official Site - October 13, 2009
UNDER-18'S STING BEES

QPR Under-18's maintained their challenge at the top of the Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference by recording a 3-1 victory over local rivals Brentford at Harlington.

Steve Gallen's team now sit fourth in the league with a game in hand over the three teams above them - and a win from their outstanding match will see them top the table on goal difference from last season's league Champions and current leaders, Southend United.

Gallen's starting XI included two schoolboys; 15 year-old Republic of Ireland Youth International Frankie Sutherland started in midfield and there was a first start at Under-18 level for fellow Under-16 youngster Bruno Andrade up front.

As has become the norm this season, Rangers started very brightly, although some uncharacteristic defending on seven minutes almost handed Brentford an early goal, but Niki-Lee Bulmer stood up well to the effort and saved from a tight angle.

The visitors were left to rue the early miss when Elliott Cox gave Rangers the lead ten minutes later.

Andrew Perring flighted a long diagonal ball into the Bees penalty box and the presence of Cox (pictured) caused panic, with the Rangers front-man colliding in a three way heap with a defender and the 'keeper. Undeterred, Cox was first to his feet and tapped home the loose ball with the two Bees players still grounded.

It remained 1-0 to the home side until the break, but it wasn't long before Rangers doubled their advantage.

Following a fine move involving Danny Fernandez, Sutherland and new Republic of Ireland recruit Michael Harriman, the ball was crossed from the right only to be cleared to the edge of the box, where Cox smashed an unstoppable volley back into the roof of the Bees net.

To their credit, Brentford dug deep and gained an avenue back into the game with a well worked goal.

Fearing that a comeback was on the cards, Gallen decided to introduce 15 year-old Raheem Sterling from the bench for his Under-18 debut. The sprightly winger made an immediate impact, scoring a fine individual goal on 72 minutes, which finally ended the visitors' challenge

www.qpr.co.uk/page/YouthReports/0,,10373~1824639,00.html