U18 Professional Development League 2
Team: Jones, Putman, Adjetey-Brew, Keita-Turay, Balogun, Radojevic, Kennedy, Tarbotton, Hassan, Neill, Neziri
Subs: Fitall, Street, Trujillo, Skeete, Hayati
The temperature was beginning to head towards the mid-20s by the time I arrived at the TSG Elite Training Centre.
Ridwan Hassan’s superb long ball out to the right-wing was then crossed into the box where the R’s No.9 had advanced to get into a good position. His header was then comfortably held by Archie Howard.
At the other end, Cory Adjetey-Brew superbly won the ball in the penalty area just as the Hull player was about to pull the trigger.
Mr Peter booked Calvin Okike for a blatant shirt-tug.
Teddy Tarbotton’s low strike was stopped by the keeper’s legs.
Good to see the R’s keeper/defenders playing the ball out successfully from the back.
The Tigers took the lead around 25 minutes into the game. Their first attempt was blocked and the follow-up was slotted in from close range.
Ridwan Hassan did well to make up enough ground before Archie Howard could reach the ball. With the keeper now out of position, the R’s striker blasted the ball narrowly over the crossbar.
Just before the break, Aidan Shehu’s attempt at an overhead kick left him grounded and in need of some attention. Half-time: 0-1.
Two changes were made for the start of the second-half, which saw the introduction of Mason Skeete and Kooshan Hayati.
Despite being under pressure, Jaiden Putman continued his run through the middle before laying the ball off to Rico Kennedy. The R’s No.7’s cross found Enis Neziri in space just beyond the far post, where he then fired the ball into the net.
The Tigers regained the lead from the penalty spot. The referee booked Kemoko Keita-Turay before Zac Jagielka had planted the ball wide of La’ Trell Jones.
Charlie Street was the next R’s player to be brought on.
As the R’s looked for an equaliser, Enis Neziri’s low strike from 20-odd yards was held by the keeper.
A dangerous low ball into the box was met by Kemoko’s Keita-Turay and his excellent interception allowed him to put the ball behind for a corner.
For the visitors, Lucas Dawson curled his 25-yard shot just wide of the target.
Rico Kennedy took control of a great ball on the right-flank, and he then cut into the box where he was taken down. The R’s No.7’s spot kick was then saved by the keeper.
It ended in a 2-1 win for the visitors.
We were told that the U16’s had drawn 2-2.
Tom Charles’ side travel to South Yorkshire on Saturday to take on Sheffield United.
Steve Russell
